Heavy Fines, Canceled Registrations, and No License Until Age 25, Warns Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
The Punjab government has officially declared a zero-tolerance policy against underage driving, enforcing stringent measures to curb the rising menace on state roads. Transport and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema made it clear that public safety is paramount, warning that accountability will no longer rest solely on minors caught behind the wheel. Instead, strict legal action, heavy financial penalties, and administrative repercussions will directly target parents, guardians, and vehicle owners who allow underage individuals to drive.
Severe Penalties: Heavy Fines, Canceled Registrations, and 25-Year License Ban
Under the newly tightened regulations enforced across Punjab, getting caught driving as a minor carries severe, long-term consequences. The state administration has outlined an uncompromising framework for violators, which includes:
Instant Heavy Fines: On-the-spot monetary penalties will be levied immediately upon apprehension.
Canceled Vehicle Registration: The registration certificate of the vehicle driven by the minor may be canceled on the spot.
Delayed Driving License Eligibility: Minors caught driving will be completely disqualified from applying for or obtaining an official driving license until they turn 25 years old.
Government Focuses on Road Safety and Parental Accountability
Addressing the media, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that road safety is non-negotiable and that underage driving poses a direct threat to innocent civilian lives. Highlighting that a significant proportion of fatal road mishaps involve unlicensed or underage motorists, the transport department aims to foster genuine accountability rather than merely collecting fines. The government has urgently appealed to parents to resist children's emotional appeals or stubborn demands for vehicles, urging families to prioritize safety over convenience to prevent catastrophic accidents on Punjab roads.
Special Enforcement Campaigns to Roll Out Across Punjab
To ensure strict compliance, the Punjab Transport Department is preparing to launch special statewide checking campaigns in the coming days. Authorities will actively investigate and penalize violators without exception or discrimination. Alongside punitive actions, the government is ramping up public awareness initiatives to educate communities about the legal and physical dangers of underage driving, expecting that heightened parental vigilance will significantly drive down road accidents across the region.
