Delhi cops crack down on underage drivers: Challans up seven-fold from Jan to mid-May this year

From only 15 till mid-May in 2023 to 101 in the same period this year, the number of challans issued to minors driving without a licence in the city has increased seven-fold. This, police said, was due to intensified efforts to prosecute underage drivers.

As per officers, traffic police launched an enforcement drive at the start of 2024 by deputing officers at crucial intersections and increasing surveillance and patrolling in areas that see frequent traffic violations by minors.

Between January 1 and May 15 this year, data showed traffic police issued 101 challans to minors — a significant spike from 15 challans issued during the same period in 2023, said officers. “This shows a remarkable surge in prosecutions compared to last year. This is attributed to rigorous enforcement measures… it acts as a deterrent,” a police officer said.