TRAX has emerged as one of India’s leading voices in helmet safety advocacy, working relentlessly to strengthen legislation, improve enforcement, eliminate substandard helmets, and promote the universal use of BIS-certified helmets. Through sustained engagement with policymakers, transport departments, enforcement agencies, manufacturers, and civil society, TRAX has successfully influenced several landmark policy reforms that continue to enhance road safety across the country.

Implementation of CMV Rule 138(4)(f) – A Landmark Achievement

One of TRAX’s most significant policy advocacy achievements has been the successful implementation of CMV Rule 138(4)(f) in Himachal Pradesh. During its engagement with the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, TRAX identified a critical policy gap—the state had neither adopted nor incorporated this important provision of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules into its Motor Vehicle Regulations.

Recognizing the importance of this provision for improving helmet compliance and reducing fatalities among two-wheeler riders, TRAX initiated continuous advocacy with the Transport Department through policy consultations, technical discussions, evidence-based recommendations, and persistent follow-ups. These sustained efforts resulted in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly approving the incorporation of CMV Rule 138(4)(f) into the state’s Motor Vehicle Rules. The amendment was officially notified through Gazette Notification No. TPT C(9)-5/2003 dated 1 August 2024, marking a landmark milestone in strengthening road safety legislation in the state.

Major Policy and Advocacy Achievements

Beyond this landmark reform, TRAX has played a pivotal role in advancing helmet safety across India through multiple advocacy initiatives:

• Notification of CMV Rule 138(4)(f): Successfully advocated for the notification and implementation of Rule 138(4)(f) across 14 States and 6 Union Territories, significantly strengthening helmet safety regulations nationwide.
• Mandatory Use of BIS-Certified Helmets: Instrumental in advocating for the compulsory use of BIS-certified helmets, leading to policy adoption in 3 States and 1 Union Territory, thereby improving the quality and safety of helmets available to road users.
• Advocacy to Include Helmets under the Mandatory BIS Certification List: Worked with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and government stakeholders to ensure helmets were brought under the mandatory certification framework, helping eliminate unsafe and non-compliant helmets from the market.
• Action Against Fake Helmet Manufacturers: Conducted sustained advocacy and enforcement support across 10 States against the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and substandard helmets. These efforts have contributed to stronger market surveillance and consumer protection.
• Capacity Building with Enforcement Agencies: Organized continuous interaction sessions, consultations, and awareness talks with Transport Departments and Traffic Police officials across multiple states to strengthen enforcement, enhance understanding of helmet regulations, and encourage uniform implementation of road safety laws.

Through evidence-based advocacy, strategic partnerships, and persistent policy engagement, TRAX continues to drive systemic reforms that extend far beyond awareness campaigns. Its work has directly influenced legislative changes, strengthened enforcement mechanisms, improved helmet quality standards, and created a safer environment for millions of two-wheeler riders across India, reaffirming its commitment to reducing preventable road fatalities through sustainable policy interventions.