Chandigarh, July 24: In a bid to curb underage driving in the state, the Punjab police asked its officers to create awareness among children under 18 years of age that if they are caught driving, their parents could face a three-year jail term and an INR 25,000 fine. The directive was issued by the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic and Road Safety). As per the order, parents of minors who are found driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers will face legal action under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019 beginning August 1.

The letter issued to the Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) earlier this month asked police officials to sensitise school children under 18, reports Indian Express. As per the letter, parents of children who violate provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act (Amendment) 2019 will likely face jail for up to 3 years and could also be fined for underage driving. Punjab Shocker: 21-Year-Old BBA Student From Odisha Raped Near Railway Tracks in Phagwara.

The ADGP also stated that action would be taken against the vehicle owner who allows children under 18 to drive his or her or the owner's two-wheeler or four-wheeler. It must be noted that under section 199 A in the amended act, a minor's guardian or the owner of the vehicle will be deemed guilty if the rule of underage driving is violated. The new section also states that the minor's guardian or vehicle owner will be punished for a child's underage driving.

However, the law also states that the guardian of the minor or vehicle owner will not be liable for punishment if they prove that the offence by the minor was committed without their knowledge. As per the amended law, children who are caught in underage driving will not be eligible for a driving licence until they turn 25. Four People Including Two Children Killed in Road Accident in Punjab’s Ludhiana.

Additionally, the registration of the vehicle used by the minor who commits the offence will be cancelled for 12 months.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 24, 2024 04:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).