To combat accidents caused by minors driving vehicles, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to rigorously implement a provision imposing a three-year prison sentence and a ₹25,000 fine on parents or vehicle owners who permit minors to drive. Transport Commissioner Chandrabhushan Singh issued instructions on December 27, prompting the initiation of an awareness campaign in government secondary schools in collaboration with the Transport Department.
State Secondary Education Director Mahendra Dev conveyed the commissioner’s order to all district school inspectors on Tuesday. According to the directive, Section 199 (A) of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 deems only the guardian or owner of the vehicle responsible and punishable in cases of motor vehicle-related offenses committed by a juvenile. Under this provision, a guardian or vehicle owner could face a three-year imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000.
Transport Department sources indicate a stricter implementation of this provision. The letter from Dev also recommends the appointment of road safety nodal teachers, inclusion of road safety messages in school activities, and the formation of Road Safety Clubs in all schools. The directive emphasizes a special campaign until January 7 and proposes a checklist for schools, including regular meetings of district school vehicle transport safety committees chaired by the district magistrate.
