Pune: Parents To Face Hefty Fine Of 25,000 Rupees If Minors Are Caught Driving In Maharashtra
Driver
Sumit Singh
Pune, 25th June 2023: Parents will now face significant financial consequences if their minor children are caught driving vehicles. A new order issued by Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar mandates a fine of 25,000 rupees for parents whose underage children are found driving. In addition, such minors will be ineligible to obtain a driving license until they reach the age of 25. The directive has been sent to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra state.
The circular, addressed to all RTOs, emphasizes that individuals below the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from driving in public areas, with the exception of bikes with engine capacities below 50 cc. Only those above 16 years of age are permitted to ride such bikes. The transport department is issuing action instructions to curb underage driving, as it has been observed that the current regulations are not being effectively followed. Strict compliance with these rules is now expected from all RTOs, with actions to be taken against minors driving vehicles illegally.
The state has been witnessing a steady rise in the number of accidents, with two-wheeler accidents comprising the majority. In comparison to the previous year, two-wheelers accounted for 51 percent of total accidents, resulting in the death of over 7,700 individuals. Instances of minors driving two-wheelers have been repeatedly highlighted as a significant factor contributing to these accidents. In order to prevent such incidents, the transport department has taken this necessary step.
Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, parents can face imprisonment for up to three years if their minor children are found driving vehicles. Additionally, a fine of 25,000 rupees will be imposed. Furthermore, minors will not be eligible for a driving license until they reach the age of 25, as per the provisions of the Act.
