Wearing of protective headgear

Q: When did Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 129, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 01 Jul 1989 Act 59 of 1988 As on 14 Oct 2026

Act 59 of 1988 Ministry Road Transport and Highways Enacted 14 Oct 1988 In force 01 Jul 1989 Cited by 2 provisions Instruments 3

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 deals with 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 sha The Act came into force on 01 Jul 1989.

¹[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.]
Section 129, The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Act 59 of 1988).

Cross-references

Extracted from the operative text of the enactments themselves. Every destination below exists in our corpus.

Referred to by 2

Made under this section, and citing it

2 instruments state that it was made under this provision — the power to make it comes from here, so a change to any of them changes what this section requires in practice. Newest first.

Another 1 instrument names this provision in its title or its text without being made under it.

17th GSR 575 (E) 11 August 2021Notification 2021

All subordinate legislation

Questions about Section 129

What does Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act deal with?

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act is headed "Wearing of protective headgear". [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

How do I find court cases under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: MV Act 129, section 129 MV Act, section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

What should I read with Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and has it changed?

2 other provisions in this corpus refer back to it. The rules and notifications made under it are where it actually bites, and there are 2: most recently Notification (Motor Vehicle Act, 1988) Year 2016 (2016), then Notification for Women Helmet (2014).

When did Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act come into force?

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, cited as MV Act 129, came into force on 01 Jul 1989, having been enacted on 14 Oct 1988. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 14 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.