Uttara Kannada SP Deepan MN warns against allowing minors to drive vehicles

Bhatkal, June 10: (Bhatkallys News Bureau) Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M.N. Deepan has expressed concern over the increasing number of minors riding motorcycles and driving other vehicles across the district and urged parents not to allow children below 18 years of age to drive.

In a special video message, the SP said several cases have been reported from different parts of the district where minors were found operating vehicles without a valid driving licence. He stressed that allowing underage children to drive is not only illegal but also poses a serious risk to their lives and the safety of others on the road.

Deepan said Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act makes it a punishable offence to permit a person below 18 years of age to drive a vehicle.

He explained that if a minor is caught driving, the responsibility will fall directly on the parent or the vehicle owner. In such cases, the parent or owner can face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 25,000.

The SP further said the registration certificate (RC) of the vehicle involved may also be suspended or cancelled for up to one year.

He added that minors found violating the law could face long-term consequences, as they may not be eligible to obtain a driving licence until they attain the age of 25.

Emphasising the importance of road safety, Deepan said maintaining traffic discipline is not the responsibility of the police alone and requires active cooperation from parents, guardians and the public.

He appealed to parents to strictly follow the law and allow their children to drive only after they reach the legally prescribed age.

“Think not once, but many times before handing over vehicle keys to your minor children. Underage driving can endanger not only their lives but also the lives of pedestrians and other road users,” the SP said.