Crackdown on Underage Driving: New Rules Every Vehicle Owner Must Know

In recent months, India has seen a sharp clampdown on underage driving. Sparked by several high-profile and tragic accidents involving minors behind the wheel, traffic enforcement authorities—especially local police and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)—are taking strict action. The message is clear: underage driving won’t be tolerated, and the consequences will extend beyond just the young offender.

What’s changed? The laws were always there, but now the enforcement is getting serious—and so are the penalties.

What’s the Law Saying Now?

If you think a minor getting caught on the road will only get a warning, think again.

Recent updates in enforcement mean that if a minor is caught driving, they could face a hefty fine of up to ₹25,000. But that’s not where it stops. Parents, guardians, or whoever owns the vehicle can also be sent to jail for up to three years and slapped with a similar fine.

And if you thought the child could still apply for a licence once they turn 18, there’s more bad news: the new rules delay their eligibility until they turn 25.

Even the vehicle used in the offence could be affected—registration can be suspended for a year. That’s right: one mistake could keep your vehicle off the road for 12 months.

State-Level Action: How the Rules Are Being Enforced

Different states are bringing in their own methods to clamp down on the menace.

• Hyderabad: Authorities there kicked off a strict enforcement drive, warning parents and taking steps to cancel registrations of vehicles used by minors.

• Punjab: Since mid-2024, the state has been operating under updated sections of the Motor Vehicle Act, coupling enforcement with education drives in schools and colleges.

• Kerala: The Motor Vehicles Department has integrated its enforcement mechanisms with the national ‘Parivahan’ portal, ensuring that any juvenile caught in violation can't get a licence anywhere in India before they turn 25.

This coordinated crackdown across states means that avoiding the law by shifting cities or states is no longer an option.

Why This Is Happening Now

You don’t need to be a road safety expert to understand the dangers of minors driving unsupervised. But here’s what’s triggered the urgency:

• In cities like Hyderabad, nearly 1 in 6 road accidents involve underage drivers.

• Tragic incidents like the recent luxury car crash in Pune, where a minor was behind the wheel, have highlighted just how high the stakes can be.

• Younger drivers simply lack the experience, maturity, and reflexes needed to handle Indian road conditions—making them more prone to causing or being involved in serious accidents.

What It Means for You as a Car Owner

If there’s a minor in your family—or even in your residential community—driving your car or bike, you could be liable.

It’s now more important than ever to:

• Keep vehicle keys out of reach of underage family members.

• Think twice before casually letting a “teen who’s learning” take the wheel.

• Be aware that even first-time violations can lead to vehicle seizure and legal action.

Some cities are also offering helplines and digital portals for reporting underage drivers, with an aim to increase public involvement in enforcement.

The Bigger Picture

This is more than just about enforcement—it’s a culture shift. While it’s tempting to let your teen take the car for a quick spin or to “practice” on empty roads, the law no longer sees this as harmless.

The move also comes at a time when India is investing heavily in road safety and smarter mobility. Whether it’s through better urban traffic design, stricter licensing norms, or vehicle safety tech, there’s a broader push to bring down accident rates—and tackling underage driving is a big part of that.

This isn’t about making life difficult for families or young people. It’s about recognising that one careless moment can have lifelong consequences—for the driver, the family, and others on the road.

For Indian car buyers, especially those with teens in the house, this new reality should factor into daily decisions. Enforcement is tightening, penalties are steep, and the cost of looking the other way could be far greater than a fine.

Stay informed, stay compliant—and above all, stay safe.