Safety Harnesses and Helmets: New Rules for Kids on Two-Wheelers in Mangaluru and What It Means for You

If you ride a two-wheeler with your child in Mangaluru, listen up. The city police are now actively monitoring parents who don't use proper safety gear for kids. This isn't just a warning anymore, as they're using AI cameras to catch violators, and the penalties are real.

Mangaluru police have intensified surveillance on two-wheelers carrying young children without safety harnesses, treating this as a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. The numbers tell a sobering story; around 75 people have died in road accidents in the city in 2025, and most victims were young people under 30.

The authorities are now using AI-enabled cameras to automatically detect helmet and harness violations and impose penalties. So even if you don't see a traffic cop on the road, you could still get caught and fined.

Here's exactly what the law requires from you:

For children under 4 years old:

For everyone else:

This isn't just a Mangaluru thing. The Karnataka High Court has called helmets and safety harnesses for children a "non-negotiable safety requirement". The court made it clear that enforcement agencies can't treat child safety as optional.

You might think, "We're just going to the nearby shop" or "My child sits quietly between my legs." But accidents don't wait for long rides or busy roads.

When you brake suddenly or swerve to avoid a pothole, your child can slip. And if they're not secured properly, you can't hold them while also controlling your bike. It's physically impossible.

Children's bodies are different from ours. Their skulls are softer, their necks are weaker, and even a minor fall can cause serious injuries. They need extra protection, not less.

Think of it as a specialized belt system. The harness connects to you as the rider and straps securely around your child, keeping them safely attached even during sudden movements.

A good harness should be lightweight, flexible, and made of durable nylon that won't tear under pressure. You can find these at vehicle accessory shops across Mangaluru. Don't try to improvise with regular belts or cloth; invest in equipment that's actually designed for this purpose.

Beyond the financial penalties (which can add up), think about the real-world consequences. In 2025, most road accident deaths in Mangaluru occurred due to reckless driving. Many of these tragedies involved young people and families.

Every statistic represents a family that's forever changed. A child who lost a parent. A parent who lost a child. These aren't just numbers; they're real people from our community.

Don't wait for a challan or a scary moment. Here's what you do:

1. Get the right equipment: Buy an ISI-marked helmet for your child and a proper safety harness. Check that the helmet fits snugly; it shouldn't slide around on their head.

2. Check your own gear: Is your helmet ISI-certified? Is it damaged or too old? Replace it if needed.

3. Make it non-negotiable: Just like you wouldn't ride without your own helmet, don't start your vehicle until your child is properly secured. No exceptions, even for short trips.

4. Watch your speed: Remember the 40 km/h speed limit when carrying children. It might feel slow, but it gives you more time to react if something goes wrong.

5. Plan smarter: If you need to carry heavy items or multiple children, consider an auto or other transport. Your scooter isn't designed to carry everything safely.

Kids learn by watching us. When they see you taking safety seriously every single time, they internalize it. They'll grow up understanding that safety gear isn't optional; it's just what you do before you ride.

Some kids resist wearing helmets. Make it fun. Let them pick a helmet with their favorite color or character. Praise them when they cooperate. But be firm; no helmet, no ride.

Yes, buying this gear costs money. Yes, it takes extra time every morning. But what's the alternative?

The Karnataka High Court emphasized that children are among the most vulnerable road users. As parents, protecting them is our most important job; more important than convenience, more important than saving a few minutes.

This enforcement isn't about traffic police wanting to fine you. It's about those 75 families who faced the worst possible loss in 2025. It's about making sure your family isn't the next one.

Before you take your next ride with your child, ask yourself: Is my child properly protected? If the answer is no, you know what needs to happen.

The harness, the helmet, following speed limits; these aren't suggestions. They're your child's lifeline in case something goes wrong. And on the busy Mangaluru roads, that "something" can happen to anyone, anytime.

Stay safe and ride responsibly. Your family is counting on you.