Karnataka govt to ban pillion riding in two-wheelers with less than 100cc engine

According to the new norm, manufacturers should make sure such vehicles have a seat only for the rider.

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The state government of Karnataka will soon ban pillion riding on two-wheelers having an engine capacity of less than 100 cc with an eye on safety. The state’s transport department has filed an affidavit in the Karnataka High Court to this effect, Bangalore Mirror reported.

According to the new norm, manufacturers should make sure such vehicles have a seat only for the rider. But old vehicles won’t be affected due to this step. The report said that the circular will be out within a week’s time.

“The High Court of Karnataka had sought an explanation from the state government while hearing an accident case in which a youngster had died. Responding to the HC’s direction, we filed an affidavit that we will comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, which does not allow pillion riding on bikes up to 100 cc,” Transport Minister HM Revanna told Bangalore Mirror.

The section 143 (3) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 reads, "No pillion seat shall be attached to a motorcycle with less than 100cc engine."

The TImes of India reported that nearly one-fourth of the city’s two-wheelers fall on this category. However, Transport commissioner B Dayananda told TOI that he will propose that the law be amended to reduce the limit of 50 cc.

“Many agencies have certified that the new bikes which are less than 100cc engine capacity are designed to carry pillion riders. We'll amend the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules after consulting experts and also the rules followed by other states," he told TOI.

He added that such a proposal was made in the past but was not looked into for various reasons.