Traffic policemen will especially concentrate on residential areas and schools. The Traffic police have written to school principals, drawing their attention to the problem of minors driving and have requested them to sensitise students about the issue.

“This is a basic problem, where despite everyone knowing about it, no one follows the rules. In several instances, parents themselves allow their children to take the wheel. We have also noticed that around affluent schools, children make their drivers sit at the back and drive cars themselves,” said DCP Traffic (New Delhi) Suvashish Chaudhary.

If a minor is found alone in possession of a vehicle, it will be impounded. The minor and the owner of the vehicle will be fined separately.

“Minors are liable under Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act, under which they can be fined at least Rs 1,000. The owners, meanwhile, will be fined Rs 1,500 under Section 5 of the same Act,” added Chaudhary.

A total of 2,997 violators were prosecuted for underage driving last year.