The two boys, aged 16, were intercepted near Parakode in the Ezhamkulam area on Tuesday. Police seized both vehicles and initiated proceedings against the mother of one teenager and the registered owner of the motorcycle.
The car, identified as a Maruti 800, was registered in the mother’s name. The motorcycle belonged to Ravindran, a resident of Pathirikkal in Kollam district. Both owners face legal action over the vehicles being used by minors.
Police action followed complaints about teenagers driving vehicles at excessive speeds around Adoor and Kodumon. Videos showing dangerous driving and attempts to perform stunts had also circulated on social media, drawing attention to the activities.
Investigators established that a 16-year-old student had been driving the car through busy areas and recording videos for social media reels. His activities allegedly included drifting the vehicle near groups of students, creating potential danger for pedestrians and other road users.
Residents who noticed the driving informed the authorities, prompting traffic police to monitor the activities. Officers subsequently intercepted the teenagers and took possession of the vehicles on Tuesday afternoon.
The investigation also brought attention to videos showing youngsters travelling together on two-wheelers. One recording allegedly showed four people riding a scooter, another violation that raised concerns about the conduct of the group.
Police are examining the circumstances in which the teenagers obtained access to the vehicles and whether their owners had knowingly permitted them to drive. The registration of cases places responsibility on those legally accountable for the vehicles.
Ravindran has maintained that he had already sold the motorcycle to another party but that the ownership transfer had not been completed. The vehicle consequently remained registered in his name when police initiated proceedings.
His explanation introduces a question about responsibility for a vehicle after its sale, particularly when official registration records have not been updated. Authorities have nevertheless proceeded against him as the registered owner.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, allowing a juvenile to commit specified driving offences can expose the guardian or vehicle owner to prosecution. Section 199A provides for imprisonment extending to three years and a fine of Rs 25,000, subject to statutory provisions and available defences.
The legislation presumes responsibility on the part of the guardian or owner unless the person establishes that the offence occurred without their knowledge or that they exercised due diligence to prevent it.
The law also provides for cancellation of the vehicle’s registration for 12 months where the relevant statutory conditions are met. A juvenile involved in such an offence may face restrictions on obtaining a driving licence until reaching 25 years of age.
These consequences are prescribed by law and do not establish that every penalty will necessarily be imposed in the Adoor case. Any punishment would depend on the applicable charges, evidence and subsequent legal proceedings.
For ordinary cars and motorcycles, the minimum age for obtaining a driving licence is 18. Limited exceptions exist for certain low-powered motorcycles, but they do not permit 16-year-olds to drive conventional cars or standard motorcycles on public roads.
The Adoor episode has also highlighted the role of social media videos in bringing suspected traffic violations to official attention. Footage recorded for online circulation provided investigators with information about the vehicles and the manner in which they were being driven.
(The article ‘Parents charged over underage driving’ appeared first on Free Press Journal.)
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