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Nowadays the youth are very fond of driving bikes and cars. For this reason, parents often motivate their children by giving them car keys – sometimes just for small purposes. Children are often seen driving at high speed on the roads without a driving license. However, if you are also making this mistake, take immediate notice; The government and traffic police have made the rules quite strict to prevent road accidents and prevent minors from driving.

According to the rules of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Motor Vehicles Act, if a minor is caught driving on the road, the entire responsibility lies with his parents or the owner of the vehicle. Let us take a look at the strict legal provisions and punishments prescribed for this crime.

**Heavy fine**

If your minor child is caught driving a car, scooter or bike without a valid driving license, a hefty fine of ₹25,000 is imposed on the vehicle owner or the child's parents/guardians under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act. This fine can be paid on the spot, or a challan (violation notice) can be issued to settle the matter in court.

**Punishment of up to 3 years in jail**

Under the law of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, parents or guardians are held directly responsible for this offense committed by a minor. Apart from the fine, there is also a legal provision for a prison sentence of up to three years. If it is not proven in court that the child drove without your knowledge or secretly, the parents may be sentenced to jail.

**Cancellation of vehicle registration**

It's important to keep in mind that underage driving carries more risks than just fines and jail time; The registration certificate of the vehicle driven by the child is canceled for a full year. This means that your vehicle cannot be legally driven on the roads for a year and may also be confiscated.

**No driving license till 25 years of age**
It is worth noting that this rule has a great impact on the future of the child. If a minor is caught driving, a case is registered against him under the Juvenile Justice Act. Additionally, there is a complete ban on obtaining a driving license until the child turns 25 years old. This means that even after turning 18, he or she will not be legally able to drive for several years.

**No help from insurance companies**

If a minor is involved in an accident while driving or causes harm to another person, insurance companies completely reject third-party or own-damage claims.

Since it is illegal for a minor to drive without a license, the parents will have to compensate for any major damages caused to the other party or bear the entire cost of hospital treatment from their own pocket. So, under no circumstances – do not give the keys of a car or two-wheeler to your child until he turns 18 and has a valid, confirmed driving license.