Underage Driving is an Offence: Traffic Rules & Fines

Traffic Rules & Fines for Minors

As per the traffic rules, the minimum age to apply for a valid driving permit to drive a motorbike is 18. Nonetheless, this rule is not followed and is openly flouted. The under age driving is often done by school-going students. Although circulars are sent to schools regarding the issue and the resulting minor driving punishment, they barely have any effect on the minors riding two-wheelers.

As a responsible parent, even they need to check on their child and their driving habits. If your child is under 18, it is better not to provide him with the keys to the motorbike. Envision a scenario wherein your child meets with an accident. The accident of your child is not only an emotional challenge but simultaneously adds to financial constraints. In adverse situations like these, even if you have two wheeler insurance, it is not going to be of any help, as you cannot claim in the event of minors meeting with an accident.

Even though underage driving is an offence, minors do not comprehend the outcomes of conflicting with the law. Underage riding is an offence under the Motor Vehicles Act. Minor driving can lead to imprisonment of three months and/or a fine of Rs 5,000.

To control this, the cops should be on their toes and lead checks during school hours. Whoever is discovered disobeying the law, immediate action must be taken. If a minor is found guilty, the motorbike must be seized, and the parents of the minor should be called upon and be informed about the equivalent. 

Schools can also make it an indispensable rule that any minor discovered riding a motorbike and driving to class should bear consequences, such as, paying a fine and so forth.

Responsibility of Parents

No matter how strict the under 18 driving rules or laws are made, it is the utmost responsibility of the parents to keep an eye on the activities of their children. If the minors are riding motorbikes keeping their parents in the loop or their parents are informed about the same, the parents are equally guilty.

A case of juvenile driving or any offence committed due to underage driving also results in repercussions to the minor’s parent/ guardian or the motor vehicle owner. Apart from the penalty fixed by the state government, they shall be levied a fine of Rs 25,000 and/or imprisonment of three years. Moreover, vehicle registration is also cancelled for 12 months in most cases.

The parents also need to realise the importance of law and order and not get carried away by the pester created by their child.

Importance of Driving License

Driving on the roads of India without a valid driving license is a crime. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to ride a gearless motorbike that is up to 50cc, you must be above 16 years of age, and to ride a motorbike with gear and a car, you must be 18 years and above.

This is important because if you do not hold a valid driving permit, it is not only dangerous for the driver who is driving the motorbike, but likewise, the lives of people on the roads are also in danger. Not just this, minors can face strict penalties in such cases and would be able to get their driving license after they turn 25 years old. Moreover, the parents of such underage drivers are penalised with the under 18 driving fine issued by RTO and/or imprisonment.

While you are learning to drive, you need a learner’s license. Once you complete the training, you obtain a valid driving license. If the applicant falls between the ages of 16-18, the parents’ signatures are required on the application form.

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Being Apprised

Perhaps, the under 18 driving fine is crucial to address the rising issue of underage driving. Parents must also step in and not allow their kids to ride a motorbike or drive a car until they can do so legally. Note that alongside a legitimate Driving License, a driver must also have the vehicle's insurance papers, Registration Certificate (RC), and Pollution under Control (PUC) certificate to meet the lawful prerequisites of driving on Indian streets.