Bengaluru: Parents to face three-year jail term for allowing minors to ride vehicles

Bengaluru city traffic police have intensified their crackdown on underage driving, warning that parents and guardians could face stringent legal consequences for allowing minors to operate vehicles. In a recent incident, Kamakshipalya traffic police booked two parents after their minor children were caught performing dangerous wheelie stunts on two-wheelers.

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Authorities have cited parental negligence as a key factor in such violations, stating that lack of supervision often leads minors to engage in reckless behavior and associate with anti-social elements. Officials emphasized that, while earlier penalties were limited to fines of up to ₹25,000, stricter enforcement measures are now in place.

Under the Juvenile Justice Act, parents or guardians found guilty of permitting minors to ride vehicles can now be prosecuted and face a maximum jail term of three years, along with a hefty fine of ₹1 lakh. Traffic police have reiterated that this move aims to curb the rising number of road accidents involving underage riders, which pose serious risks to both the minors and other road users.

With these stringent measures, authorities hope to instill greater responsibility among parents and prevent juvenile traffic offenses. Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to adhere to regulations, warning that ignorance of the law will not be considered a defense. Regular checks and strict penalties will continue to be enforced to ensure compliance and road safety.