Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 July 2025
The Andaman & Nicobar Traffic Police has issued a strong appeal to all motorists, especially parents and guardians, to prioritize the safety of children while travelling in vehicles. Citing Section 194B(2) of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, the department reminded that allowing a child below 14 years of age to travel without a safety belt or appropriate child restraint system (CRS) is a punishable offence, carrying a fine of ₹1,000.
The Traffic Police expressed concern over the increasing instances of unsafe practices, such as allowing children to stand through sunroofs, sit on the driver’s lap, or move freely inside moving vehicles. Officials warned that such behaviour, while seemingly harmless, poses grave risks. Even minor collisions or sudden braking can result in serious injury or death if a child is not properly restrained.
To enhance road safety, authorities have advised that all children under 14 must be secured either with a seat belt or an age-appropriate CRS, such as a booster or car seat. While older children may be restrained with standard seat belts, younger children require specialized restraints for effective protection.
Recognizing that not all parents may have immediate access to these systems, the department has announced a one-month advisory grace period to allow families time to procure suitable child restraints. During this period, enforcement will be lenient, and the focus will be on voluntary compliance in the interest of child safety.
Parents are also encouraged to seat children in the rear seat whenever possible and ensure they are securely fastened.
“No act of carelessness is worth risking a child’s life,” the Traffic Police emphasized, urging all vehicle users to adopt these safety measures and help create a culture of responsible driving across the Islands.
