Puducherry announces strict rules to curb underage driving; parents to face Rs 25,000 fine, 3-year jail term

PUDUCHERRY: In a move to curb underage driving and enhance road safety, the Puducherry govt has announced a strict enforcement drive targeting minors operating motor vehicles. Under the stringent regulations, parents, guardians, or vehicle owners who permit minors to ride bikes or drive cars will face heavy financial penalties and criminal prosecution.In a release, senior superintendent of police (traffic) D Divya said that parents, guardians, or registered vehicle owners would be fined up to Rs 25,000. Alongside the financial penalty, the adult responsible faces a prison term of up to three years. The driving licence of the parent, guardian, or vehicle owner will be suspended. Furthermore, the registration of the vehicle used in the offence is liable to be completely cancelled for a period of 12 months.The penalties are equally severe for the underage drivers involved. According to Divya, any minor caught operating a vehicle will be immediately intercepted and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. As a long-term deterrent, the minor will also be legally disqualified from obtaining a driving licence until they reach the age of 25.The crackdown follows a worrying surge in underage driving cases intercepted across the territory. During May 2026, the Puducherry traffic police registered action against 226 violations involving minor drivers. In those instances, parents and guardians were summoned directly to regional traffic police stations for mandatory counselling. Officers briefed them on the life-threatening risks of underage driving and the severe legal consequences under amended motor vehicle laws, issuing strict warnings against repeat offences.