Kolhapur;Parents Face Legal Action for Providing Vehicles to Minors in Kolhapur

Kolhapur Police have intensified a crackdown on underage driving, filing criminal cases against 36 parents in a single week under the new Motor Vehicles Act, which carries penalties of imprisonment and hefty fines

Kolhapur |May 13, 2026: A wave of apprehension has swept through Kolhapur as the City Traffic Branch initiates stringent legal proceedings against parents who allow their minor children to operate motorized vehicles. Under the revised Motor Vehicles Act, providing a two-wheeler or four-wheeler to anyone under the age of 18 is now a direct criminal offense for the guardian or vehicle owner.

In the past seven days alone, 36 parents have been booked, with police officials confirming that charge sheets for these cases will be submitted to the court shortly. The law stipulates severe consequences, including a potential jail term of up to three years and a fine of ₹25,000. Furthermore, the minor involved may be barred from obtaining a driving license until they reach the age of 25, and the vehicle’s registration can be canceled.

The crackdown comes at a sensitive time as families prepare for the upcoming academic year. Police Inspector Nandkumar More of the City Traffic Branch stated that the campaign will be significantly intensified in June when schools and junior colleges reopen. “We have observed a trend where Class 11 and 12 students prefer motorcycles over bicycles. This is not only illegal but life-threatening,” Inspector More remarked.

Authorities have advised parents that while low-speed electric bicycles (which do not require registration) may be used, handing over keys to any registered vehicle with a number plate is strictly prohibited. The current atmosphere has created visible tension within households, as children continue to demand vehicles while parents fear the looming threat of police records and court cases. With the police refusing to show leniency, the message is clear: the safety of the city’s youth is no longer a matter of parental discretion, but a mandate of the law.

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