Islamabad Traffic Police Introduces New Helmet Rule for Motorcyclists

Islamabad’s traffic police have decided to make helmet use mandatory for both the driver and passenger on motorcycles. The new rule will be enforced after a two-week awareness campaign, Chief Traffic Officer Syed Zeeshan Haider announced.

He stated that following the awareness period, violators—both riders and passengers not wearing helmets—will face fines.

The move is aimed at improving road safety in the capital, where motorcycle-related accidents continue to be a serious concern. Officials have emphasized that ignoring basic safety measures can lead to severe consequences.

“Riding a motorcycle is more than 20 times riskier than driving a car,” said a police spokesperson, adding that both riders and passengers share equal responsibility for their safety.

Roads in Pakistan, especially in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, witness frequent accidents, often due to traffic rule violations and lack of public awareness about safety. Authorities believe that enforcing helmet rules can significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.

Many motorcycle users belong to the lower-middle-income segment, where awareness about safety laws is often lacking. Officials are urging citizens to follow traffic rules, ride at safe speeds, and wear appropriate safety gear to ensure not just their own safety but that of others on the road.