Patna: Despite repeated awareness drives and heavy penalties, two-wheeler riders in Bihar continue to flout traffic rules. Data released by the traffic police from January to August this year shows that challans worth ₹108.35 crore were issued against 7,33,550 vehicles for various violations. The majority of these penalties were for riders and pillion riders refusing to wear helmets.
Every Third Bike in Patna Penalised
The report highlights that 4,65,782 challans were issued specifically for helmet violations, amounting to fines of over ₹46.57 crore. Out of the 11.06 lakh bikes registered across Bihar, 3.72 lakh have been challaned so far. In Patna alone, 11,060 of the 37,200 registered bikes have been fined – meaning every third bike in the city faced penalties for helmet non-compliance.
Interestingly, even after being fined ₹1,000 per violation, riders and pillion riders are still choosing to ignore helmet rules. Traffic officials noted that 20 percent of these violations were recorded in Ara, Jehanabad, Chhapra, Vaishali, Begusarai, Nalanda, and Arwal districts.
Daily Average of ₹44.46 Lakh Collected in Fines
Over the eight-month period, challans worth an average of ₹44.46 lakh were issued each day. Apart from helmet violations, other major offences included driving without insurance (70,678 cases), parking in no-parking zones (79,896 cases), overspeeding (20,891 cases), driving in the wrong direction (24,308 cases), and talking on mobile phones while riding (1,308 cases).
Challans were also issued to 3,576 car owners for not wearing seat belts and 67,120 vehicle owners for other violations such as overloading, jumping red lights, loud honking, and tampering with registration plates.
Breakup of Major Fines (January–August 2025)
- Riding without helmet: 4,65,782 cases (₹46.57 crore)
- No parking: 79,896 cases (₹44.30 lakh)
- Overspeeding: 20,891 cases (₹41.78 lakh)
- Wrong direction driving: 24,308 cases (₹54.09 lakh)
- Using mobile while driving: 1,308 cases (₹6.57 lakh)
- No seat belt: 3,576 cases (₹3.57 lakh)
- Driving without insurance: 70,678 cases (₹14.25 lakh)
- Other violations: 67,120 cases (₹23.48 lakh)
Traffic police said stricter enforcement would continue during the festive season, with special focus on helmet and seat belt compliance to reduce road accidents.
