Mangaluru: A court has held the owner of a two-wheeler guilty for allowing a minor to ride the vehicle in Puttur, imposing a fine of ₹20,000 for violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
According to police officials, the case relates to an accident that occurred on August 31, 2025, in Kasaba village in Puttur. A minor was reportedly riding a two-wheeler in a reckless and negligent manner when the vehicle collided with another two-wheeler on the road.
The impact caused the minor rider to fall onto the road and sustain injuries. The incident prompted immediate police action, and a case was registered at the Puttur Traffic Police Station.
Authorities said the case was booked under Section 5 and Section 199(a) of the Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) Act, which hold vehicle owners responsible if they permit minors to operate their vehicles.
Investigation conducted by traffic police
Following the accident, traffic police in Puttur initiated an investigation into the incident. During the inquiry, officers confirmed that the two-wheeler involved in the accident was being ridden by a minor who did not possess a valid driving licence.
Police also established that the registered owner of the vehicle had allowed the minor to ride the two-wheeler, which constitutes a violation under the Motor Vehicles Act.
After examining the case details and evidence presented by the police, the court found the registered owner guilty of allowing a minor to operate the vehicle. The court subsequently imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on the owner.
Officials noted that the Motor Vehicles Act clearly places responsibility on the vehicle owner to ensure that only authorised and licensed individuals drive their vehicles.
Second case involving minor driver under investigation
In a separate incident reported within the jurisdiction of the Puttur Rural Police Station, authorities are also investigating a hit-and-run case involving a minor driver.
According to police sources, a car collided with four parked or moving two-wheelers and fled the scene shortly after the incident. The accident caused damage to multiple vehicles and created panic in the area.
During the investigation, police traced the vehicle involved in the accident and discovered that the driver was a minor. Following this revelation, a case was registered against the vehicle owner, who is the minor’s mother and a resident of Puttur.
Police officials stated that further investigation is ongoing in the case to determine the circumstances of the accident and to initiate appropriate legal action under the relevant provisions of the law.
Police warn against allowing minors to drive
Authorities have once again urged parents and vehicle owners not to allow minors to drive motor vehicles, emphasising that such actions pose serious risks to both the rider and other road users.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicle owners can face significant penalties if they permit minors to drive, particularly in cases where accidents occur due to negligent driving.
Traffic police across Dakshina Kannada district have been conducting regular awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of underage driving and the legal consequences associated with it.
Officials said strict enforcement of traffic laws is necessary to improve road safety and prevent accidents involving inexperienced or unlicensed drivers.
Conclusion
The recent court ruling in Puttur serves as a reminder that vehicle owners are legally accountable for ensuring their vehicles are operated only by licensed drivers. Authorities hope that such enforcement actions will discourage parents and guardians from allowing minors to drive and thereby reduce road accidents involving underage drivers.
Police have urged the public to strictly follow traffic rules and prioritise safety on the roads.