ISI introduces new helmet standards

Maximum weight of the helmets brought down from 1.5kg to 1.2kg. How does this change things?

As per the new standards set by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), effectve from 15 January 2019, the maximum permitted weight of motorcycle helmets will be restricted to 1.2 kilograms. As per the current norm, the maximum permissible weight of a motorcycling helmet cannot be more than 1.5 kilograms. Helmet manufacturers have nearly six months to comply with the new regulation.  

One of the most common excuses stated by motorcyclists for not wearing a lid is its weight. BIS has set the new standards in the hope that more motorcyclists will start wearing helmets with them being lighter. While this move may have been made with the right intentions, its outcome may be debatable. Most good quality helmets approved by international agencies like DOT, ECE and SNELL weigh anywhere between 1.3 to 1.5 kilos. Although lids made using carbon fibre and other such light-weight materials are lighter than 1.2 kilograms, they cost a fortune and may not be affordable for every motorcyclist. With BIS reducing the maximum weight of helmets below 1.2 kilograms, the materials used for the shell may be compromised. That said, the transport ministry will bring the manufacturing of all motorcycling helmets under the jurisdiction of BIS. This will essentially mean that sale of all non-standard helmets will be an offense. Speaking on the topic Rajeev Kapur, President of the ISI Helmets Manufacturers Association said, 'This step will help bring down the number of fatal road accidents and will curb malpractices and the sale of spurious and fake roadside helmets.'