PATNA: Minor boys and girls should think twice before hitting the road as the transport department has decided to launch a drive against underage driving in the state. State transport secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said officials would be deputed around schools to keep a watch on minor drivers “Along with slapping fines on those driving four-wheelers without wearing seat belts and two-wheelers without helmets, the special drive, which will be conducted in all districts on Saturdays, will also discourage minors from driving vehicles. If the minors are found guilty of violating the law, they will be fined,” Agarwal said.“We will seize the two-wheelers driven by students below 18 years of age. Action will also be taken against their parents. Underage drivers will have to pay Rs 500. Their vehicles will be released only in the presence of their parents or guardians,” Agarwal added.The transport department’s move has been welcomed by the authorities of city schools. Abha Chaudhary, a senior teacher at Notre Dame Academy, said the school has banned scooty inside the campus to discourage underage driving. “However, the girls park their scooties outside the school campus. The problem is that their parents also encourage them. They buy vehicles for their underage children instead of discouraging them from driving,” she said.Principal of St Karen’s Secondary School K K Kunjachan said echoed Chaudhary’s tone. “The transport department’s drive against underage driving is a welcome step,” he added.

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