Rising Concern: E-Challans Issued for Minors Driving in India
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Road Transport has recently revealed startling statistics regarding minors driving vehicles in India. In the last two years, six states and Union Territories issued a staggering 1,497 e-challans, imposing fines totaling Rs 48 lakh for this serious offence.
Bihar Leads in E-Challans
According to data from the e-challan portal, Bihar recorded the highest number of notices—1,316 issued to parents, guardians, and vehicle owners in 2023 and 2024. In comparison, Delhi reported only 22 e-challans. The fines collected in Bihar reached Rs 44.3 lakh, followed by Jammu and Kashmir (Rs 1.4 lakh) and Chhattisgarh (Rs 1.3 lakh).
Legal Responsibilities Under the MV Act
As per the amended Motor Vehicles Act, the responsibility falls on parents, guardians, or vehicle owners if a minor is caught driving with their knowledge. They may face hefty fines, jail terms, and even cancellation of vehicle registrations. The onus is on them to prove that the minor drove without their consent.
Accident Statistics Raise Alarm
The issue is further compounded by alarming accident figures. The Integrated Road Accidents Data (iRAD) system recorded 11,890 accidents caused by minor drivers over the past two years. Tamil Nadu topped the list with 2,063 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh (1,138), Maharashtra (1,067), and Uttar Pradesh (935).
Need for Awareness and Monitoring
Officials emphasize the importance of state police updating the e-challan and iRAD portals for better monitoring. Awareness campaigns are critical to educate parents and guardians about their legal responsibilities.
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By staying informed and proactive, we can collectively reduce the dangers posed by underage driving.
