The number of accidents involving minors under the age of 18 driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers in violation of traffic rules has been increasing recently.
In this situation, Senior SP Divya of the Puducherry Traffic Police has issued a warning statement.
In this regard, the Puducherry Traffic Police, which is committed to ensuring the safety of all road users in Puducherry, has requested parents and vehicle owners not to allow minors under the age of 18 to drive motor vehicles. It has also warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in such violations.
On 18.10.2026, on the Villianur - Kombaakkam road, a two-wheeler driven negligently and carelessly by a minor collided with another two-wheeler and caused an accident. In that, the rider of the other two-wheeler, the person seated on the pillion, and even a one-month-old baby were all injured.
In connection with that incident, a case has been registered at the East Traffic Police Station against the minor driver and against one of the minor’s parents for allowing the child to drive the vehicle. The case is currently under investigation. Awareness campaigns on road safety are being carried out continuously, and strict action is also being taken.
However, some parents and vehicle owners continue to allow minors to drive, which remains a matter of concern. Such actions pose a major risk not only to the lives of minors but also to the safety and lives of other road users. The Puducherry Traffic Police reminds the public that, under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, minors driving vehicles is a serious violation of the law.
Persons under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to drive motor vehicles. If a minor is involved in an offense related to a motor vehicle, the minor’s parents or the vehicle owner may be held responsible under the relevant legal provisions. A fine of up to Rs. 25,000 and imprisonment of up to three years may be imposed for this.
Furthermore, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions, action may be taken against the minor under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. As per the legal provisions, the minor will be ineligible to obtain a driving license until he or she attains the age of 25.
It has also been stated that the registration certificate of the vehicle used in the offense may be canceled for a period of 12 months in accordance with the provisions specified in the Motor Vehicles Act. Therefore, the Puducherry Traffic Police requests parents and vehicle owners to act responsibly and not allow legally ineligible minors to drive motor vehicles under any circumstances," he noted.