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New Directive Imposes Heavy Fine on Pune Parents for Minors Driving in Maharashtra
In a significant move aimed at curbing underage driving and promoting road safety, the Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, Vivek Bhimanwar, has issued a new directive imposing a hefty fine of 25,000 rupees on parents whose children are caught driving vehicles. This order, which also renders minors ineligible for a driving license until they are 25 if found guilty of driving as a minor before obtaining their license, responds to the alarming rise in accidents involving underage drivers.
Stricter Measures to Combat Underage Driving
The recent circular, addressed to all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across Maharashtra, highlights the absolute prohibition of individuals below 18 from driving in public areas, except bikes with engine capacities below 50 cc. Even in the case of these low-capacity bikes, only those above 16 years of age are permitted to ride them. The existing regulations, it has been observed, have yet to be effectively enforced, leading to an increase in underage driving incidents. Consequently, the Transport Commissioner has instructed all RTOs to strictly comply with these rules and take appropriate action against minors illegally driving vehicles.
Alarming Rise in Accidents and Underage Driving
Maharashtra has witnessed a disturbing surge in accidents, with two-wheeler accidents comprising most of these incidents. Statistics reveal that two-wheelers accounted for a staggering 51 percent of total casualties in the previous year, resulting in the tragic loss of over 7,700 lives. Notably, instances of minors driving two-wheelers have been consistently highlighted as a significant contributing factor to these accidents. To address this alarming trend and prevent further incidents, the transport department has taken the necessary step of imposing a substantial fine on parents and enforcing stricter regulations.
Legal Consequences for Parents and Minors
The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019 empowers authorities to hold parents accountable for their minor children’s actions on the road. In the case of underage driving, parents can face imprisonment for up to three years, in addition to the hefty fine of 25,000 rupees imposed by the recent directive. These penalties are intended to emphasise the gravity of the offence and discourage parents from allowing their underage children to operate vehicles. Furthermore, minors caught driving will be eligible for a driving license once they reach the age of 25, as stipulated by the provisions of the Act.
Importance of Road Safety and Compliance
The new directive serves as a reminder of the critical importance of road safety and responsible driving practices. Parents play a crucial role in instilling proper values and ensuring that their children understand the risks associated with underage driving. By strictly adhering to the regulations set forth by the transport department, parents can protect their children from legal consequences and safeguard their well-being. It is essential to recognise that underage driving poses a significant threat to minors, other road users, and pedestrians.
Conclusion
Introducing this new directive imposing a hefty fine on parents and stricter regulations against underage driving signifies the government’s commitment to promoting road safety and reducing accidents. By holding parents accountable and reinforcing the legal consequences of allowing minors to drive, the transport department aims to create a safer environment for all road users. Parents, guardians, and minors must understand the seriousness of underage driving and take necessary measures to comply with the law.
