Ban on 100-cc bike pillion riders 'may be lifted' after debate

The state government may amend the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules (KMVR) if people favour lifting of ban on pillion riders on two-wheelers of less than 100cc engine capacity.

“The Karnataka High Court, while hearing a case of a youth who was killed in a motor bike accident, directed the state government to ban such vehicles under section 143 (3) of KMRV to ensure the safety of pillion riders. Many have supported the order. If the public favours lifting of the ban after a thorough debate, the government will surely amend the KMVR and lift the ban,” Transport Minister H Revanna told reporters on Tuesday.

“The ban is not applicable to vehicles already purchased,” the minister clarified.

The government has not banned registration of two-wheelers of less than 100cc engine capacity with a pillion rider seat. The government does not intend to ban riders from using such two-wheelers, he said.

“The rule bans installation of a seat for pillion riders on such two-wheelers,” he said.

Regarding fixing speed governors to taxies and cabs, Revanna said, “Senior officers have gone to New Delhi to meet officers of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to discuss the issue. We’ll take a suitable decision about the issue after the officers return.”

He said that KSRTC staff are responsible for highest revenue collection of Rs 13.67 crore on a single day on October 23.