Underage Driving Rules & Fines

According to the Indian traffic rules, the legal driving licence age in India is 18 years. However, most people tend not to follow this rule and are seen driving on the roads in the country. As a result, minors driving without a licence in India are a common sight, especially near schools and tuition classes. Although many circulars have been issued for schools to curb the practice of underage driving, no heed has been paid to it by these drivers. As a result, these drivers do not learn and understand the implications and tend to suffer in most cases.

According to the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, if an underage person is found driving on the roads in the country, their parent or guardian might have to face up to 3 years in prison and a penalty of ₹25000. Also, the driver who was driving the bike will not be able to get a driving licence till they turn 25. So, as a parent, it is your responsibility not to allow driving once your child reaches the legal age to drive a scooter in India.

There have been many cases of accidents due to flouting rules related to under 18 licence restrictions. Your bike insurance will also not be able to help you in this case, as no claim can be filed if the bike was driven by a minor. Thus, the accident will not only pose emotional challenges for you but might also lead to financial liabilities.

If you drive your vehicle without a valid driving licence, then you are committing a crime. If you want to drive a gearless motorbike up to 50cc, then the legal age for driving in India is 16 years. If you want to ride a bike with gear or a car, then the legal driving age in India is 18 years.

If you drive on the roads without a proper licence, then not only are you putting yourself in harm’s way but also posing a danger to the lives of other people on the road. If you are caught without a valid licence, then you will have to pay a ₹5000 penalty even if you are of the legal driving age in India.

You can get a learner’s licence when you are learning to drive your vehicle. Once you are done, you are ready to get a driving licence to drive legally on Indian roads.

One of the major reasons for not knowing the minimum age for a driving licence in India is the lack of awareness. It is common for youngsters to feel a level of excitement and rush while they are driving, but it is the duty of the parents to make their children aware of the rules and make their children abide by the rules of the law.

Thus, the Indian law has made rules to penalise the parents for the deeds of their child as it is their responsibility, and they must discharge it in a proper manner. Also, while you are telling your children the driving licence age in India, inform them about the other documents that they need, including a PUCC, bike insurance plan, RC, etc.

Following the under-18 licence restrictions is essential, and you must keep checking whether your child is following the rules or not. Also, keeping an eye on the child will be helpful in the long run as they can harm themselves and others on the road if they do not have a licence or if they are underage.

Thus, now you know that minors driving without a licence in India is not permissible as per the law. It is essential that you make your children understand the rules and regulations. And no matter how great of a driver your child is, driving without a licence and when they have not attained the minimum age for a driving licence in India is still illegal.

Also, do not be under the impression that your bike insurance plan will help you financially if your minor is caught in an accident while driving on the roads. But, if you are legally driving, do not forget to get the right insurance for your bike from Tata AIG so that you can make the most of your drives without worrying.