Karnataka has recorded 61 road accident deaths involving underage drivers in 2025, highlighting growing concerns over minors behind the wheel and road safety enforcement across the state.
Data shared by Home Minister G. Parameshwara in the Legislative Council shows that fatalities involving teenagers below 18 years stood at 70 in 2024 and 58 in 2023.
Rising concern over underage driving
The figures indicate a persistent issue, with dozens of lives lost each year due to minors illegally driving vehicles. Authorities say many of these cases involve risky behaviour such as speeding, performing stunts, and ignoring traffic rules.
Officials have stressed that the legal driving age for light motor vehicles in India is 18, and any violation not only endangers lives but also invites strict legal consequences.
Sharp rise in cases against parents
In a bid to curb the trend, the government has intensified action not only against minors but also against parents and vehicle owners who allow underage driving.
The number of cases registered against parents and vehicle owners has seen a steep rise—from 369 in 2023 to 677 in 2024, and further to 943 in 2025.
Authorities believe that holding guardians accountable is key to discouraging minors from accessing vehicles.
Legal and administrative action
Police have been filing cases against minors found driving without a valid licence. Additionally, recommendations are being sent to Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to suspend the registration certificates (RCs) of vehicles involved in such violations.
Under existing rules, the transport department can suspend a vehicle’s RC for up to 12 months based on police recommendations.
Traffic officials say this dual approach—targeting both minors and vehicle owners—is aimed at creating a stronger deterrent.
Increased enforcement and awareness drives
Law enforcement agencies across Karnataka have stepped up enforcement through regular checks and special drives targeting underage drivers.
According to K. S. Sundar Raj, Mysuru city police have been conducting frequent inspections and plan to intensify the crackdown further.
In parallel, awareness campaigns are being carried out in schools and residential areas to educate families about the risks and legal implications of allowing minors to drive.
These initiatives are also a key part of the annual Road Safety Month observed every January.
Accident and case trends
Official data highlights the scale of the issue:
- 2023: 58 deaths linked to underage driving
- 2024: 70 deaths
- 2025: 61 deaths
Cases registered against minors and guardians have also risen significantly, reflecting stricter enforcement:
- 2023: 369 cases against minors, 327 against parents
- 2024: 677 cases against minors, 585 against parents
- 2025: 943 cases against parents/vehicle owners (latest data)
Police appeal to citizens
Authorities have urged parents and guardians to act responsibly and ensure that teenagers do not drive without a valid licence.
Officials emphasised that preventing underage driving is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation from families, schools, and the community at large.
Conclusion
The continued loss of lives due to underage driving in Karnataka underscores the need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness. While authorities have intensified action, long-term change will depend on responsible behaviour from families and consistent adherence to road safety norms.