256Bicycle helmets

256 Bicycle helmets

Rule 256(1) amended by S.R. Nos 135/2021 rule 85(1), 101/2024 rule 5.

(1) The rider of a bicycle or an electric scooter must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider's head unless—

Rule 256(1)(a) amended by S.R. Nos 153/2019 rule 4(Sch. 1 item 11), 111/2021 rule 14(1).

(a) a registered medical practitioner has issued a certificate to the rider under subrule (4) and the rider complies with subrule (6); or

(b) the rider is exempt from this rule under subrule (7).

Penalty: In the case of a bicycle, 5 penalty units;

In the case of an electric scooter, 10 penalty units.

(2) A passenger on a bicycle that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must wear an approved bicycle helmet securely fitted and fastened on the passenger's head, unless—

(a) the passenger is a paying passenger on a three or four-wheeled bicycle; or

Rule 256(2)(b) amended by S.R. Nos 153/2019 rule 4(Sch. 1 item 11), 111/2021 rule 14(1).

(b) a registered medical practitioner has issued a certificate to the passenger under subrule (4) and the passenger complies with subrule (6); or

(c) the passenger is exempt from this rule under subrule (7).

(3) The rider of a bicycle must not ride with a passenger on the bicycle unless the passenger complies with subrule (2).

Rule 256(4) amended by S.R. No. 153/2019 rule 4(Sch. 1 item 11), substituted by S.R. No. 111/2021 rule 14(2), amended by S.R. No. 135/2021 rule 85(2).

(4) A registered medical practitioner may issue a certificate stating that, because of a disability or medical condition, it is impracticable, undesirable or inexpedient that the person named in the certificate wear a bicycle helmet while riding on a bicycle or an electric scooter or being taken as a passenger on a bicycle.

Rule 256(5) amended by S.R. Nos 153/2019 rule 4(Sch. 1 item 11), 111/2021 rule 14(3).

(5) A registered medical practitioner may make a certificate issued under subrule (4) subject to conditions.

(6) A certificate issued under subrule (4) must be—

Rule 256(6)(a) amended by S.R. No. 135/2021 rule 85(2).

(a) carried by the person to whom it applies while the person is riding on a bicycle or an electric scooter or being taken as a passenger on a bicycle; and

(7) A person is exempt from wearing a bicycle helmet under subrule (1) or (2) if—