Underage driving: Parents of minors in Punjab to face up to 3 years in prison; Rs 25,000 fine

The letter read that the parents of a minor, who violates the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act (Amendment) 2019 with respect to underage driving, could face imprisonment up to three years and a fine of Rs 25,000. It also noted that action would be taken against any vehicle owner who allows any minor to drive his (owner’s) two-wheeler or four-wheeler vehicle on the minor’s request.

As per the newly inserted section 199 A in the amended Act, the guardian of the minor or owner of the vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty of breaking the rule in the offence related to underage driving, and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. There is, however, a rider that guardian/owner shall not be liable to any punishment if he/she proves that offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.

Under the amended law, a minor who commits the offence would not be eligible for a driving licence until the age of 25. The registration of motor vehicle used by the minor shall also be cancelled for 12 months, it said.