Underage Driving in J&K: Parents Could Face Jail, Rs 25,000 Fine
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir – The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has issued a stern advisory cautioning parents against allowing their minor children to drive two-wheelers or four-wheelers. The advisory highlights the serious legal and safety implications of underage driving, emphasizing that violators could face severe penalties.
Legal Consequences for Parents and Guardians
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, parents or guardians found permitting their minor children to drive will be held accountable. The law presumes their consent unless proven otherwise. The advisory states that if a juvenile is caught driving, the guardian or the owner of the vehicle will face:
- A jail term of up to three years
- A fine of Rs 25,000
- Cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for 12 months
- A ban on the juvenile obtaining a driving license until they turn 25 years old
The advisory further explains that while juveniles may be penalized under the Act, custodial sentences will be modified under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000.
Risks and Responsibilities
The Transport Commissioner emphasized that underage driving poses grave risks to both the minors themselves and other road users. “This practice not only endangers lives but also constitutes a serious offense under the Motor Vehicles Act,” the advisory reads.
The department has urged parents to take responsibility and ensure their children do not operate vehicles until they are of legal age and possess valid licenses. The advisory aims to address the rising number of accidents involving juveniles and foster greater road safety awareness across the Union Territory.
A Call for Vigilance
The advisory calls on the community to be vigilant and report any instances of minors driving to the relevant authorities. It stresses the importance of a collective effort to prevent underage driving and protect the lives of young individuals and other road users.
