Uttar Pradesh Implements Ban on Under-18 Driving to Curb Rising Road Accidents
Lucknow: In an effort to curb road accidents and ensure the safety of minors, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Commissioner has imposed a ban on individuals below the age of 18 from driving vehicles. This directive comes as a response to the rising number of accidents involving minors.
The Transport Commissioner has issued clear instructions to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Assistant RTOs, and Traffic Police Officers (TPOs) across the state. The directive explicitly states that students under the age of 18 are prohibited from driving any vehicle on public roads.
The move aims to address the alarming trend of accidents involving underage drivers, who are often found to be the victims in road mishaps. In case of any underage individual found violating the ban, the vehicle owner will face severe penalties. The penalties include a jail term of up to three years and a fine of Rs. 25,000.
Furthermore, individuals with valid licenses and aged 16 or above can still ride motorcycles with engines up to 50 cc capacity.
The directive is seen as a significant step towards enhancing road safety and reducing accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers. Parents, schools, and educational institutions are urged to support and enforce these regulations to ensure the well-being of young road users.
