Yes. In India, parents or guardians can be held legally liable if a minor drives a vehicle and commits an offence.
Under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988:
- The minor's guardian or the vehicle owner can be deemed responsible for the offence.
- The guardian/owner may face up to 3 years' imprisonment and a ₹25,000 fine.
- The court generally presumes that the minor used the vehicle with the consent of the guardian or owner.
- The vehicle's registration can be cancelled for 12 months.
- However, the guardian or owner can avoid punishment if they prove that the minor used the vehicle without their knowledge or that they exercised due diligence to prevent it.
- The provision has an exception where the juvenile has a valid learner's/driving licence and is driving a vehicle they are legally licensed to operate.
In short: Parents can face serious legal consequences if they knowingly allow a minor to drive, particularly when the minor commits a traffic offence or causes an accident.
