Underage Driving
A person below 18 years driving a motor vehicle on a public road.
Fine (1st)
₹25,000 (guardian/owner)
Imprisonment
Up to 3 years (guardian)
Licence
Juvenile: licence denied until 25
What the Law Says
The minimum age for a driving licence in India is 18 years. Driving any motorised vehicle (including motorcycles above 50cc) before 18 is illegal. The 2019 MV Act introduced strict liability for parents and guardians. If a juvenile causes an accident while driving illegally, the owner of the vehicle (usually the parent) faces criminal charges. The juvenile is tried under the Juvenile Justice Act and will have their future driving licence denied until age 25.
"Where a juvenile commits an offence... the guardian or owner of the motor vehicle shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence... the registration of the motor vehicle shall be cancelled." — Sec. 199A, MV Act (as amended 2019)
Consequences
- ₹25,000 fine on guardian / vehicle owner
- Up to 3 years imprisonment for guardian
- Vehicle registration cancelled
- Juvenile denied driving licence until age 25
- Juvenile tried under Juvenile Justice Act
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓Never allow anyone under 18 to drive your vehicle, even in a private lane
- ✓Teenagers on two-wheelers (under 50cc gearless) still require a learner's licence at 16
- ✓Educate young family members about the legal consequences
What to Do If Caught
- 1.The guardian must appear before the magistrate
- 2.Vehicle will be impounded — arrange legal representation immediately
Key Facts
10%
of accident-causing drivers are below 18 (MoRTH)
₹25,000
fine imposed on guardian/vehicle owner
Legal Reference
Section 199A, MV Act
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 199A (inserted by 2019 Amendment)
Related Violations
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 199A (inserted by 2019 Amendment). For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.