Gujarat Police Fines 5,123 Govt Staff in Helmet Drive, Recovers Rs.16.58 Lakh

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — Even those expected to set an example on the roads were found breaking the law as Gujarat Police cracked down hard on helmet violations in a month-long statewide enforcement drive, penalising 5,123 government officials and employees for non-compliance.

The special “Helmet Drive”, conducted from May 1 to May 31 under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, aimed to strengthen road discipline and reduce the rising number of two-wheeler fatalities across the state. During the campaign, authorities recovered ₹16.58 lakh in fines from government staff alone.

Reinforcing the intent behind the drive, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik made it clear that enforcement is not about revenue but saving lives.

“Our objective is not to collect fines, but to save lives. Wearing helmets and seat belts should come from responsibility, not fear of punishment. Road safety is a collective duty, and every citizen must follow traffic rules strictly,” the DGP said.

He added that accident studies consistently show helmets dramatically reduce fatal head injuries, often making the difference between life and death for riders. “Many victims could have survived if they had worn proper safety gear,” he noted.

Alongside strict enforcement, Gujarat Police also ran awareness initiatives, counselling violators and distributing helmets and roses in select cases to promote voluntary compliance. Officials emphasised that traffic laws apply equally to all citizens, regardless of rank or position.

According to the State Traffic Branch, the broader campaign saw over 1.88 lakh traffic violations detected statewide, resulting in total fines exceeding ₹5.21 crore.

Officials said the drive sends a strong message that road safety is non-negotiable—and accountability begins with those in government service.