Shillong, Mar 20: The East Khasi Hills police have taken cognisance of videos circulating on social media featuring a small child, probably aged between 4-6, riding a battery-operated children’s bike on a public road in Laitumkhrah.
“Unquestionably, allowing such acts puts the safety of the child at stake and also violates the provisions of Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Vivek Syiem said.
According to the SP, young children lack the judgement to navigate fast-moving vehicles and may not understand signals, lane discipline or blind spots.
“The small size of the bike makes it less visible to drivers and even minor collisions can result in serious injury,” he added.
The police have therefore advised the public and parents of young children that those below 18 years should not ride or drive independently on public roads. According to the SP, they may ride only under adult supervision in controlled environments.
The Shillong Traffic Police (STP) shall take cognizance of such offences and the parents will be liable for punishment under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act (amended 2019) with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with a fine of Rs 25,000.
