Tripura Police launches drive against juvenile driving, Rs 25k fine to be imposed

Agartala: In an effort to curb rising road accidents, Tripura Police has launched a statewide enforcement drive against juveniles driving motorised vehicles, terming the practice a serious threat to public safety.

The initiative is being undertaken in accordance with Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which prescribes strict action against both minors and the adults responsible for allowing them to drive.

According to the amended provisions of the Act, no individual below 18 years of age is permitted to drive a motorised vehicle under any circumstances.

The responsibility for such violations falls on the guardians and vehicle owners who allow minors to take the wheel.

Under the law, penalties for underage driving include a fine of Rs 25,000 to be imposed on the vehicle owner or guardian, imprisonment of up to three years for the responsible adult, and cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for one year.

In addition, juveniles caught driving will be barred from obtaining a driving licence until they turn 25, the police said.

Tripura Police urged parents and guardians to strictly prevent minors from driving any motor vehicle, stressing that such negligence could result in severe legal consequences as well as danger to public life.

The department said the enforcement drive would continue across the state with zero tolerance for violations.