Last year, over 17 lakh cases were booked against helmetless riders in Bengaluru.
It has been a week since the rule that makes helmets compulsory for pillion riders came into effect in Karnataka, but very few on the roads seem to be complying. While the traffic police has so far been going easy on defaulters, penalties - even up to losing the driving license - will start from Wednesday.
The stick may be needed as the carrot of safety has just not seemed to work.
One rider, Abdul Sher Khan, was vocal in his objection to the rule. "It is madness of the government. They don't realise for the middle class people how difficult it is to go with two helmets, three helmets. The ministers are going by big cars and they order," he said.
One woman told NDTV, "It is profit for the helmet companies. For people like us it is not needed. If one person wears it is enough."
A lot of commuters said the government should fix the roads before asking people to wear helmets. Some said it is often too hot to wear helmets, others said it becomes difficult to casually offer a person a lift.
Last year, a whopping 17 lakh cases were booked against helmetless riders in Bengaluru.
"The pillion should wear more seriously than the rider. Because the rider has an opportunity to know what is happening on the road but the pillion rider is a helpless victim. It will be Rs 100 for first offence and Rs 300 for subsequent offences. But third offence we are going to book the rider of the two wheeler - his driving licence is going to be impounded and sent for suspension," Dr MA Saleem, Additional Commissioner for Traffic, told NDTV.
But like all change, it should ideally come from within. One couple on a bike, Ramamurthy and Janaki, were both wearing helmets.
"It is good for safety, it is better to wear," said Ramamurthy. Janaki added, "It is related to safety of public - that is the reason they have taken the step. We should support them."