Teen drivers claim 61 lives in Karnataka this year

Mysuru: Karnataka recorded 61 road accident deaths involving teenagers below the legal driving age of 18 years in 2025.According to data presented by home minister G Parameshwara in the legislative council in March, the fatalities stood at 70 in 2024 and 58 in 2023. The information was shared in response to a query by MLC Madhu G Madegowda.The govt has also intensified legal action against those encouraging underage driving. A total of 369 cases were registered against parents and vehicle owners in 2023, which rose to 677 cases in 2024 and further to 943 cases in 2025.To curb the menace, cases are being filed against minors, while legal action is also initiated against their parents. Recommendations are being sent to the respective Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to suspend registration certificates (RCs) of vehicles involved in underage driving. In addition, police are conducting periodic special drives to check violations, and awareness campaigns are being held during Road Safety Month every Jan, the home minister said.A transport department official said the minimum age for obtaining a learner's licence and a driving licence for light motor vehicles (LMVs) is 18 years. The department can suspend a vehicle's RC for up to 12 months for violations, based on police recommendations.DCP (traffic) KS Sundar Raj said Mysuru city police have been conducting regular checks to curb underage driving and would intensify the drive.An officer said the crackdown follows growing concern over road accidents, dangerous stunts and traffic violations involving minors. Awareness programmes are also being conducted in schools and neighbourhoods to educate families about the risks and legal consequences of underage driving.Police have appealed to citizens to act responsibly and not allow teenagers to drive without a valid licence.Box:Underage driving casesYear: No. of cases against minors: Cases against parents/vehicle owners 2023: 369: 3272024: 677: 5852025: 93: 920Accidents caused by minor driverYear: No. of deaths2023: 582024: 702025: 61Source: Karnataka legislative council
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