MVA Section 129: Wearing of protective headgear
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 · Chapter 8: CONTROL OF TRAFFIC
¶[129. Wearing of protective headgear.— Every person, above four years of age, driving or riding or being carried on a motorcycle of any class or description shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to such standards as may be prescribed by the Central Government:
Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who is a Sikh, if, while driving or riding on the motorcycle, in a public place, he is wearing a turban:
Provided further that the Central Government may by rules provide for measures for the safety of children below four years of age riding or being carried on a motorcycle.
Explanation.— “Protective headgear” means a helmet which,—
(a) by virtue of its shape, material and construction, could reasonably be expected to afford to the person driving or riding on a motorcycle a degree of protection from injury in the event of an accident; and
(b) is securely fastened to the head of the wearer by means of straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.]
Study: explanations and related material
Official reference: India Code, Government of India — edition as on 15 August 2026 — source review: 2 October 2026.Recorded edition / snapshot date: 2026-08-15.Banaka reference transcription, not an official or certified edition. General central text: regional amendment blocks are not consolidated. This edition includes Jan Vishwas 2026 changes effective 15 August 2026. Amendment brackets are retained; footnotes and superscript reference numerals are excluded. Consult the complete government PDF for schedules, amendment notes and authoritative wording. State rules and notifications may differ. Hindi guides are original explanations, not a statutory translation.Read the original schedule and amendment notes
This text is for reference, not legal advice. Consult the official source for the authoritative text.
Other sections in this chapter
- 112. Limits of speed
- 113. Limits of weight and limitations on use
- 114. Power to have vehicle weighed
- 115. Power to restrict the use of vehicles
- 116. Power to erect traffic signs
- 117. Parking places and halting stations
- 118. Driving regulations
- 119. Duty to obey traffic signs
- 120. Vehicles with left hand control
- 121. Signals and signalling devices
- 122. Leaving vehicle in dangerous position
- 123. Riding on running board, etc
- 124. Prohibition against travelling without pass or ticket
- 125. Obstruction of driver
- 126. Stationary vehicles
- 127. Removal of motor vehicles abandoned or left unattended on a public place
- 128. Safety measures for drivers and pillion riders
- 130. Duty to produce licence and certificate of registration
- 131. Duty of the driver to take certain precautions at unguarded railway level crossing
- 132. Duty of driver to stop in certain cases
- 133. Duty of owner of motor vehicle to give information
- 134. Duty of driver in case of accident and injury to a person
- 134A. Protection of Good Samaritans
- 135. Schemes to be framed for the investigation of accident cases and wayside amenities, etc
- 136. Inspection of vehicle involved in accident
- 136A. Electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety
- 137. Power of Central Government to make rules
- 138. Power of State Government to make rules