Bengaluru, 22 March
 Despite stringent measures by the Transport and Traffic Police Departments, underage driving incidents continue to rise in Bengaluru, leading to serious accidents and legal consequences.

"Underage driving is a criminal offence, and police have intensified actions by seizing vehicles and filing cases against parents," said Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, MN Anucheth.

In the past year, Bengaluru recorded 532 cases of minor-related traffic violations, including reckless driving and stunts. Among these, 121 cases were filed against minors, 79 against parents, and 520 vehicles were seized. Under the Motor Vehicles Act (1988), parents permitting minors to drive face fines, up to three months of imprisonment, or both. Additionally, vehicle registrations may be suspended for a year.

"No matter how responsible a minor may seem, they lack the physical and mental maturity to drive safely," Anucheth stated, emphasising the risks posed to both minors and the public.

To curb violations, Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) conducts regular special operations, awareness programs in schools and colleges, and public meetings with parents. The department is also proposing a stricter penalty under Section 199A(5) of the MV Act, preventing minors involved in violations from obtaining a driving licence until 25. Parents of minors performing stunts may face fines of up to ₹25,000, while courts may impose three years of imprisonment or ₹1 lakh fines under the Juvenile Justice Act.

Recently, six parents in Bengaluru South were fined ₹25,000 each after their children were caught driving recklessly. Two minors were involved in three accidents, while others performed stunts. Last year, Kamakshipalya traffic police filed six cases against parents, submitting chargesheets to the Juvenile Court.

Authorities urge parents to take responsibility and ensure minors do not engage in illegal driving.