Nagpur, India-  Even though underage driving is illegal and dangerous, many parents still let their children drive in the city. The police haven't been very effective in stopping this, with only 12 cases reported in the first five months of 2024. The city's traffic police data shows these cases are spread across different areas: Sitabuldi (4), Indora (2), Cotton Market (2), Sonegaon (1), Sadar (1), Ajni (1), and Sakkardara (1). The law says you must be at least 16 to ride a gearless motorbike up to 50 CC, and 18 to drive a motorbike with gears or a car.

In one case, a young boy was caught driving his father's car, and the father, a government worker, was fined Rs 5,000. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic, Shashikant Satav, said this trend is very worrying and stressed that letting underage children drive is extremely dangerous. He mentioned that parents are being fined for allowing their kids to drive without a license.

This issue is more serious than it seems. A recent crash in Pune, where a drunk underage driver in a Porsche caused the deaths of two young people, shows the deadly consequences of parents being too lenient. Road safety experts in Nagpur believe there are probably more than just the 12 reported cases. They urge the police to check more teenagers' licenses, especially those riding to school or tuition. They also emphasize that parents need to teach their children about being responsible and safe on the roads.