Sharp Rise in Underage Driving Shocks Hyderabad
The city of Hyderabad is grappling with a dramatic and alarming increase in underage driving, with traffic police data revealing a staggering 180% surge in the number of minors caught operating vehicles on city roads this year. This significant jump highlights a growing disregard for traffic laws and poses a serious safety risk.
Crackdown Leads to Thousands of Cases
Authorities have been actively conducting special drives to curb this dangerous trend. As a result, 7,300 minors were apprehended for driving or riding vehicles in the current year, a massive leap from the 2,600 cases recorded last year. The data indicates that a majority of these underage individuals were found riding two-wheelers.
Parents and Vehicle Owners Held Accountable
In a strict move, the Hyderabad traffic police have shifted the responsibility onto parents and vehicle owners. After seizing the vehicles from the minors, the police filed chargesheets against the guardians. Chargesheets were filed against 5,400 parents or vehicle owners for allowing the offense.
The consequences were severe and multi-pronged. The convicted individuals ended up paying a collective fine of ₹67 lakh. Beyond the financial penalty, they were also mandated to perform social service for at least one day. In many instances, specifically for 3,300 motorists, this service extended to more than two days.
Adding to the punitive measures, the transport department took the extreme step of cancelling 1,200 vehicle registrations, sending a strong message about the gravity of the violation.
Long-Term Consequences for Minors
The Hyderabad traffic police have issued a stern warning about the long-term repercussions for the minors involved. While the legal age to obtain a driving licence in India is 18, a minor caught driving faces a major setback. They will become eligible to get a driving licence only once they turn 25 years old, effectively adding a seven-year waiting period from the legal age.
Officials reiterated that vehicle owners will be held fully accountable and will face judicial proceedings if they permit a minor to use their vehicle. This comprehensive crackdown aims to instill a sense of responsibility and deter such dangerous practices in the future.
