Every person driving or riding (otherwise than in a side car, on a motor cycle of any class or description) shall, while in a public place, wear *[protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards]:
Provided that the provisions of this sections shall not apply to a person who is a Sikh, if he is, while driving or riding on the motor cycle, in a public place, wearing a turban:
Provided further that the State Government may, by such rules, provide for such exceptions as it may think fit.
Explanation.-"Protective headgear" means a helmet which,-
(a) by virtue of its shape, material and construction, could reasonably be expected to afford to the person driving or riding on a motor cycle a degree or protection from injury in the event of an accident; and
(b) is securely fastened to the head of the wearer by means of straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.
* Subs. by Act 54 of 1994, sec. 38, for certain words (w.e.f. 14-11-2023).