On Monday last, Avaniyapuram police team found a minor boy riding a motorbike near Periyar statue, during a vehicle check. The police booked not just the 16-year-old boy, but also a youth and a 52-year-old man, also for having permitted the underaged boy to ride the bike without a driving licence.
“Many accidents are being reported involving underaged children riding bikes. In one of the recent cases, it ended up in fatality. In order to discourage parents and vehicle owners from permitting children, without licence, especially underaged children, to ride bikes, we are taking stringent action,” said Madurai City Commissioner of Police S. Rajendiran.
The police had also seized the vehicle and the trio were booked under Sections 181(4) and 199(A) of Motor Vehicles Act.
The police said that under Section 181 of Motor Vehicles Act driving a motor vehicle without a driving licence or in violation of age limits, a penalty of upto ₹ 5,000 could be imposed. Similarly, the violation could also led to imprisonment for up to three months or both.
“No person under the age of 18 years and also without a driving licence can ride a bike or drive a car. This is because the child at that young age would not have the mental capability to judge the road or on coming vehicles while riding and could lead to accidents,” Mr. Rajendiran said.
Similarly, Section 199 A of Motor Vehicles Act holds the owner of vehicle or the guardian of the minor found riding the bike guilty. The penalty for the guardian or owner of the vehicle is up to ₹25,000. Three years of imprisonment and suspension of the registration of the vehicle for 12 months could also be imposed, the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner said that similar cases against the underage riders and their guardians and owners of vehicles are being registered with an aim to make the roads safer for road users, including pedestrians.
Mr. Rajendiran said that more such cases would be registered and cautioned the parents, guardians and vehicle owners about the impending danger of heavy penalty and even imprisonment.
Published – September 25, 2026 10:31 pm IST
