Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: The Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajinder Singh Tara, has issued a stern advisory to parents, urging them not to allow their underage children to drive two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Tara emphasized that this practice endangers not only the minors but also pedestrians and other commuters.
In the advisory, Tara highlighted the serious legal consequences under the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 for allowing minors to drive.
According to him, section 199A of the Act states that if an offence is committed by a juvenile, the guardian or vehicle owner is deemed guilty and liable for punitive action. This includes imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 25,000. The guardian or owner can avoid punishment only if they prove the offence was committed without their knowledge or that they took all possible measures to prevent it.
Further, the Act specifies that if a juvenile commits an offence, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled for 12 months. Additionally, the juvenile will be barred from obtaining a driving license until they turn 25. Fines may also be imposed, and any custodial sentences will be modified according to the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000.
The advisory also noted that these provisions do not apply if the juvenile has a learner’s or driving license and is operating a vehicle they are licensed to drive.
As such, the Transport Commissioner Rajinder Singh Tara has appealed to the public, particularly parents and guardians, to refrain from permitting their minor children to drive, as it is both prohibited and punishable under the MV Act.
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