Minor Driving Cases Rise in Telangana, Transport Department Tightens Action

Telangana’s transport authorities are stepping up enforcement against minors driving two-wheelers and cars. In such cases, the vehicle is first seized and cases are registered against both the minor and the vehicle owner. The police file a charge sheet before the court, while transport officials cancel the vehicle’s Registration Certificate (RC) for a year. The owner must then appear before the court and follow the magistrate’s directions, which may include a fine, community service or imprisonment. The minor is required to appear before the juvenile court. Importantly, those involved in such cases may be prevented from obtaining a Learner’s Licence or Driving Licence until they turn 25.

The scale of the action has also increased. During 2024–25, RCs of 1,760 vehicles were cancelled across Telangana, with around 80% of them in the Greater Hyderabad region. In the first three months of the current financial year, 1,455 RCs were reportedly cancelled. Across the state, RCs of 4,070 vehicles driven by minors were cancelled for one year during the previous financial year. The transport department is now uploading the Aadhaar and other details of minors caught driving onto the Sarathi portal. Officials say the process will prevent them from obtaining a Learner’s Licence or Driving Licence until the age of 25, while details of older cases are also being added to the system.