Bengaluru: The state government has banned pillion riding on two-wheelers with engine capacity below 100 cc. But the ban is not applicable to the vehicles already registered. State Transport Commissioner B. Dayananda said, “The order follows a HC direction, and it does not affect the already existing vehicles. But from now on, two-wheelers below 100 cc with a pillion seat cannot be registered.”
Another senior officer from the transport department said, “Automobile companies should ensure that such two-wheelers do not come with pillion seats. The HC had passed the order while hearing a plea of an accident victim, who had sought compensation. In 2009 in Mysuru, the victim, Hemanth, and his friend met with a road accident while riding a bike, which was below 100 cc. Hemanth was on the pillion. Both of them, who were minors at that time, were injured when a vehicle crashed into theirs. Hemanth sustained severe injuries and was bed-ridden, while his friend escaped with minor injuries. Hemanth approached the HC seeking compensation. The court found a clause in the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 under Rule 143 (3) that no pillion seat shall be attached to a motorcycle with less than 100 cc engine.”
Transport Minister H.M. Revanna said, “The transport department should not register vehicles below 100 cc. If at all it is registered, then pillion seat should be removed. The ban will be implemented strictly.”
