Underage Driving is an Offence: Traffic Rules & Fines

Underage driving is a growing problem in India, with many young people getting behind the wheel without proper training or experience. Not only is underage driving illegal, but it also puts the driver, passengers, and other road users at risk. It can lead to multiple dangers, including causing harm to the driver and damage to the vehicle. What’s more, in such a situation, your bike insurance may not prove to be useful either as the claim won’t be accepted due to the underage driver. Hence, one must exercise caution and know the rules and regulations related to underage driving. In this article, we will discuss the rules and fines associated with underage driving in India.

What you need to know about underage driving

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, the legal driving age in India is 18 years old. Anyone caught driving under the age of 18 years is considered an underage driver and is subject to fines and penalties. Here are some of the complications related to underage driving:

1. Penalty

The penalties for underage driving in India vary from state to state, but the most common penalty is a fine. The fine for underage driving can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000, depending on the severity of the offence. In some cases, the offender may also have their driving license suspended or revoked.

2. Legal action

In addition to fines, underage drivers may also face legal action. If an underage driver is involved in an accident, they can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur. They may also face criminal charges, including reckless driving, driving without a license, and endangering the lives of others.

3. Risk for the vehicle owner

It is important to note that the penalties for underage driving not only apply to the driver but also to the vehicle owner. If a minor is caught driving a vehicle that belongs to someone else, the owner of the vehicle may also be held responsible and face fines and penalties. This includes a fine of Rs.25,000 for the vehicle owner. They might also face a 3-year prison sentence as well. Along with this, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled for the duration of a year.

Fines And Penalties for Underage Driving in India

In India, underage driving attracts severe penalties and legal consequences to ensure safety on the roads. Here are the key points and implications:

1. Minimum Legal Age: The minimum age for driving motorcycles with engines up to 50cc is 16 years, while it’s 18 years for all other motor vehicles. Underage drivers risk not only fines but also face restrictions on obtaining a valid license until they turn 25.
2. Fines and Jail Time: Parents or guardians, as the vehicle’s registered owners, may face a hefty penalty of up to ?25,000. They may also be liable for a jail term of up to three years if their vehicle is involved in an offense committed by an underage driver.
3. Vehicle Registration Penalty: Authorities can also cancel the vehicle’s registration, which results in further financial and logistical issues for the owner.
4. Parental Responsibility: The registered vehicle owner is responsible for preventing underage driving. This means that if an underage individual is caught driving, it reflects a lapse in judgment and supervision by the guardian or parent.

These penalties underscore the legal responsibilities and societal emphasis on road safety, urging parents to educate minors on the importance of adhering to age requirements. By imposing strict consequences, the government aims to reduce accidents and ensure a safer driving environment for all road users.

Measures being taken

To combat underage driving, the government of India has implemented several measures. One such measure is the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which states that any minor caught driving a vehicle will be sent to a juvenile home for up to three years. The parents or guardians of the minor may also be held responsible and face fines or imprisonment. Another measure is the use of advanced technology to detect underage driving. In many cities in India, traffic police use speed cameras and other devices to identify underage drivers. They also conduct surprise checks on busy roads and highways to catch offenders. Parents and guardians also have a role to play in preventing underage driving. They should encourage their children to take driver training courses and obtain a license once they reach the legal age. As a parent and a bike owner, it is your responsibility to educate your child about the importance of bike insurance so they know what steps to take in case of emergencies. Parents, teachers, and community leaders should work together to raise awareness of the dangers of underage driving among young people. This can be done through education programs, awareness campaigns, and by setting a good example as responsible drivers.

Tips for Responsibility of Parents

As a parent, you can note these additional tips apart from the ones mentioned above to ensure your vehicle stays in a good condition:

1. Always keep your insurance updated. Renew bike insurance on time to avoid losing its benefits and the all-round protection it offers to the bike and its passengers.
2. Make sure you accompany the minor if they are riding the bike so as to avoid any kind of mishap.
3. Use a learner’s sticker on the vehicle, especially if the rider is a minor.
4. Discuss with your insurer if you can claim two-wheeler insurance if an accident has been caused by your bike when being ridden by a minor.

Conclusion

Underage driving is a serious problem that puts the lives of young drivers and other road users at risk. To prevent underage driving, it is important to enforce the legal driving age and impose fines and penalties on offenders. Major responsibility also falls on your shoulder as a parent to teach your children about safe driving practices. If your bike does not have an insurance policy, make sure you buy one at the earliest. Use the bike insurance calculator to get a quote for the policy you are looking for. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

FAQs

Are parents held responsible for underage driving?

Yes, parents or guardians are held responsible if their child is caught driving underage. They may face fines and even imprisonment if found to have allowed or encouraged the behavior.

What is the fine for underage driving in India?

The fine for underage driving can be up to ?25,000. Additionally, the vehicle registration may be canceled, and parents may face other penalties.

Does underage driving affect insurance claims?

Yes, if an underage driver is involved in an accident, insurance claims may be denied as it is illegal for minors to drive, leading to policy violations.

Can underage driving lead to imprisonment?

Yes, underage driving can result in jail time for the vehicle’s registered owner (usually the parent) if found responsible, with imprisonment of up to three years in certain cases.

Is there a minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit?

In India, the minimum age for a learner’s permit is 16 for vehicles under 50cc and 18 for all other vehicles.

What happens if an underage driver causes an accident?

If an underage driver causes an accident, they may face legal actions, fines, and possibly impact future driving eligibility. The vehicle owner may also face severe penalties and potential criminal charges.

Can a car owner be fined for allowing underage driving?

Yes, the car owner, usually a parent or guardian, can be fined and potentially face other penalties, including jail time, if they knowingly permit underage driving.