369 challans issued in crackdown on underage drivers

The city’s traffic police have issued 369 challans for underage driving violations between August 23 and November 22 during a drive initiated under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. However, the police are largely focused on creating awareness among violators and their parents rather than imposing full penalties recommended by the law.

The Act, which came into effect on August 21, includes stringent penalties such as fines up to Rs 25,000 and an FIR against parents or guardians of underage drivers. Despite these provisions, the traffic police are currently collecting fines up to Rs 5,000, as the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has yet to update its software to process higher penalties.

Senior traffic police officials explained that they were laying stress on creating awareness among underage drivers rather than strict enforcement of penalties. “Our aim is to educate parents about dangers of underage driving rather than imposing financial burden on them. Awareness is the key to long-term change,” said a senior traffic cop.

They said this strategy also appears to be showing results, with a noticeable decline in violations over time. From August to September, 204 challans were issued, compared to 160 between September and November 22. Officials believe this reduction in challans reflects growing awareness among parents and young drivers.

Besides addressing underage driving issue, over 100 challans were issued to school vehicles, including buses, vans and auto-rickshaws, for various traffic violations during the same period.

However, the delay in updating the RTO’s software to accommodate higher fines stipulated in the amended law remains a hurdle. Without the necessary update, offenders continue to pay pre-amendment amount as the fine.

When contacted regarding the issue, Jalandhar Regional Transport Officer Balbir Raj said, “As of now, we are working with the old system and have already written to higher officials regarding the new guidelines and system update. However, we have no further information at this point.”

Meanwhile, senior cops at the commissionerate police said full penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, would come into effect only after the software was updated. They said these penalties include fine of

Rs 25,000 for underage drivers. “Until then, the focus remains on fostering responsible behaviour among young drivers through education and awareness efforts,” they said.