Hyderabad Traffic Police launch comprehensive crackdown on underage driving

The initiative is aimed at enhancing road safety and to enforce legal compliance among young drivers and their parents and guardians, Traffic authorities said

Hyderabad: In view of the concerning rise in incidents of underage driving being reported in the city, the Hyderabad Traffic Police (HTP) launched a comprehensive crackdown with special focus on minors driving vehicles without any valid driving licenses.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing road safety and to enforce legal compliance among young drivers and their parents and guardians, Traffic authorities said.

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According to the available information, in the first six months of 2023, close to 1,000 underaged youngsters were caught by the Hyderabad Traffic Police for driving without a license. As many as 826 of these minors were convicted and penalized by juvenile courts. Likewise, in 2024, the Hyderabad, Rachakonda and Cyberabad police commissionerates reported 1,890, 1,289 and 1,400 cases respectively for underage driving.

Additionally, in a rigorous special drive, within a span of just over two weeks between April 5 and 22, the Hyderabad Traffic Police booked a total of 1,275 cases and cancelled 35 vehicle registrations. Authorities are issuing memos to Regional Transport Office (RTO) to recommend cancellation of licenses for offenders.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving without a valid driving licence is a punishable offence. The owners are accountable for permitting unauthorised individuals to drive under section 180 and 181. They can be penalized including imposing and potential imprisonment under sections 180 and 181. Additionally, section 207 allows authorities to seize vehicles operated by unlicenced drivers.

Minors caught driving will usually be lodged in juvenile homes for up to five days, where they are made to participate in activities such as cleaning or sweeping the premises, serving food to the orphans, apart from attending counselling sessions and motivational programs.

“Vehicle owners, often parents or guardians of the minors, are subjected to counseling and legal proceedings, counselling sessions, emphasising their role in preventing underage driving,” said a traffic police official.

The intensified efforts by the Hyderabad Traffic Police underscore the seriousness of underage driving and its implications for road safety.

“By combining strict enforcement with community outreach and education we intend to curb this dangerous trend which is rising in minors. We also intend to foster a culture of responsible driving and safety among the youth,” a senior official said.