Srinagar, Nov 16: To ensure road safety and prevent avoidable tragedies, the Senior Superintendent of Police, has issued a stern advisory directed at all school authorities, private coaching institutions, and parents. The advisory strictly prohibits minors or students from driving two—or four-wheeled vehicles, citing the rising number of accidents involving underage drivers as a grave concern.
This advisory issued by SSP traffic police Srinagar city Muzzafer Shah highlights the serious nature of allowing minors to operate vehicles. It labels it a punishable offence under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The act holds the guardian or vehicle owner accountable for such violations, aiming to safeguard the lives of minors and other road users.
Guardians or vehicle owners who enable minors to drive face imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of ₹25,000. If the vehicle is used in such offences, its registration will be cancelled for 12 months. Minors found committing this offence will be ineligible for a driving license under Section 9 or a learner’s license under Section 8 until they reach the age of 25.
Additionally, any juvenile involved in such acts will be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 provisions, and custodial sentences may be modified accordingly.
The SSP has urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with these measures to curb this unsafe trend and ensure the safety of minors and road users alike