Bhubaneswar: Now pillion riders will also have to wear helmet while traveling. Bringing stricter traffic norms, the state Government has decided to make helmet mandatory for pillion rider after completion of the three-month relaxation period.

Speaking to mediamen after a road safety meeting in New Delhi, Transport Minister Padmanabh Behera said helmet which was compulsory for motorcycle riders will now be mandatory for pillion rider too. And, strong action will be taken against defaulters. Besides, checking drive against for traffic violation will be intensified after completion of three-month relaxation period, he added.

This apart, seat belt for persons travelling in a four-wheeler except the driver will be made compulsory. On reduction in fine amount, the Minister no such decision has been taken so far in this regard.

It is pertinent to mention here that the state Government had on November 28 relaxed the enforcement of new traffic rules by another three months in view of heavy rush at RTO offices across the state. The Government had also clarified that the relaxation will not be extended further.

Prior to this, the Government had relaxed the enforcement of the new traffic rules under the Motor Vehicles Act-2019 for three months in September.