Minors caught driving in Hyderabad: 1,275 cases booked; 35 vehicle registrations cancelled

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Traffic Police has booked as many as 1,275 cases and cancelled registrations of 35 vehicles for a year during a special drive against minors driving vehicles conducted between April 5 to 22.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Hyderabad, D Joel Davis, on Wednesday, said that as per Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is strictly prohibited for any underage individual to operate a motor vehicle. Violations of this provision attract stringent legal consequences, not only for the minor but also for the vehicle owner or guardian involved, he added.

Elaborating further, he said that since the commencement of this drive, a total of 1,275 cases have been booked against minors found driving motor vehicles on city roads. As part of stringent enforcement, requisitions were submitted to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for cancellation of registration certificates of vehicles involved.

Minors lose eligibility to attain licenses

As a result, registration of 35 such vehicles has been cancelled till now for one year. Cancellation of Registration for the remaining vehicles is in process. “We are urging all parents and guardians to refrain from allowing their minor children to drive, as it not only endangers their lives but also the lives of other road users,” the Jt CP said.

Additionally, as per enforcement provisions, minors who were caught while driving will not be eligible to obtain a driving license till they attain the age of 25 years. He also requested the citizens to cooperate with traffic authorities and adhere to traffic laws to prevent accidents and save lives, and this drive will continue.