UP Govt to Launch ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ Drive from September 1 to Boost Road Safety

Lucknow— The Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch a month-long road safety campaign titled ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ from September 1 to 30, aimed at promoting helmet use among two-wheeler riders and passengers.

The campaign mandates that fuel will not be supplied to riders who are not wearing helmets, reinforcing helmet use as a critical safety measure. The drive derives its authority from Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which makes helmet-wearing compulsory for riders and pillion passengers, and Section 194D, which outlines penalties for non-compliance.

A directive issued on Monday calls for all departments to work together under the supervision of district magistrates and District Road Safety Committees (DRSCs). Police, revenue officials, and the transport department will take the lead in enforcing the campaign.

Emphasizing that the initiative is about saving lives rather than punishing offenders, Transport Commissioner Brijesh Narain Singh said, “This campaign is a pledge for safety, not a punishment.” He added that previous drives have shown that riders quickly adapt to wearing helmets without impacting fuel sales.

To support the campaign, major oil companies — IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL — along with petrol pump operators, have been directed to actively participate, with oversight by the food and civil supplies department.

The Information and Public Relations Department will run awareness programs during the campaign period, encouraging citizens, industry players, and government agencies to work together to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from road accidents.

Singh urged citizens to adopt the mantra: “Helmet first, fuel later.” He described helmet use as the simplest form of self-insurance for riders, emphasizing that the campaign seeks to promote safe behaviour rather than impose penalties.