In 2025, India’s traffic laws are getting stricter—not just for drivers but also for parents. If your child is caught driving before the legal age, you could be the one paying the price. The updated Motor Vehicles Act and Juvenile Justice regulations make parents liability under 16 a serious legal matter.
Whether it’s a teen sneaking out with the family scooter or riding to school on an unregistered e-bike, parents and guardians are now fully accountable for any traffic violations involving minors.
This article explains everything you need to know about your legal responsibilities, possible fines, jail terms, and how to avoid penalties.
What the Law Says About Underage Driving in 2025
As per the amended Motor Vehicles Act, anyone under the age of 18 is not legally permitted to drive a motor vehicle. The only exception is a gearless two-wheeler under 50cc, allowed for those aged 16 or older with a learner’s license.
However, if a child under 16 is caught operating any vehicle, the liability falls on:
-
The parent or legal guardian of the minor
-
The owner of the vehicle (even if it’s someone else’s car or scooter)
Under the current provisions, parents liability under 16 includes both financial fines and legal consequences.
Legal Penalties Faced by Parents or Vehicle Owners
The revised rules aim to discourage underage driving by penalizing adults who allow or fail to prevent such acts.
Here are the penalties:
| Violation | Penalty Applied to Parent/Guardian |
|---|---|
| Minor caught driving without license | ₹25,000 fine + possible vehicle seizure |
| Repeat violation | Additional ₹10,000 fine + registration cancellation |
| Accident caused by underage driver | FIR + insurance void + jail (if negligence proved) |
| Minor causes death/injury in accident | Trial under IPC + Juvenile Justice Board involvement |
| False documents to acquire license | Legal action + DL ban for 3–5 years |
The penalty doesn’t end with money—it could affect your driving record, vehicle ownership rights, and future licensing.
Real Cases That Highlight Parent Responsibility
Several high-profile incidents have pushed state governments to enforce parents liability under 16 more seriously:
-
Pune (Feb 2025): A 14-year-old caused a serious crash on an e-scooter. The father was arrested and fined ₹25,000. The scooter was impounded permanently.
-
Lucknow (Mar 2025): A minor driving a car rammed into a street pole. Parents were charged under Sections 199A and 199B of the MV Act.
-
Delhi NCR (Jan 2025): A school student was caught riding a sports bike. Parents were fined, and the student’s license eligibility was delayed until age 25.
These cases prove that underage driving isn’t just a “teen mistake”—it’s a legal risk for the entire family.
What Parents Must Do to Avoid Legal Trouble
To protect yourself and others, follow these preventive measures:
-
Lock your vehicles: Don’t leave keys accessible at home
-
Educate your child: Make them aware of the consequences
-
Avoid gifting bikes or scooters before they are of legal age
-
Keep records of insurance, registration, and license for all vehicles
-
Instruct domestic helpers/drivers not to hand over keys to children
-
Report peer pressure cases in schools where kids are encouraged to drive
Taking precautions is the best way to avoid becoming liable for a crime you didn’t commit directly.
FAQs
What is the fine if a child under 16 is caught driving?
The parent or guardian can be fined up to ₹25,000, and the vehicle may be seized. There may also be legal consequences depending on the severity.
Can parents be jailed for underage driving?
Yes, if negligence is proven—especially in cases where accidents or injuries are involved. Jail is possible under the IPC and JJ Act provisions.
Will the child face any consequences?
Yes. The child will be processed under the Juvenile Justice system, and in serious cases, may not be eligible for a driving license until age 25.
Can the vehicle be taken away permanently?
Yes. Authorities can cancel the vehicle’s registration for at least one year if it is used by a minor for illegal driving.
How can parents prevent their child from driving illegally?
Keep vehicle keys locked, educate your child on road laws, avoid early gifts like scooters, and monitor their peer group for influence.
Click here to know more.