Motor Vehicles Act: Section 4 – Age limit in connection with driving of motor vehicles

1. No person under the age of eighteen years shall drive a motor vehicle in any public place:
   Provided that a motor cycle with engine capacity not exceeding 50cc may be driven in a public place by a person after attaining the age of sixteen years.
2. Subject to the provisions of section 18, no person under the age of twenty years shall drive a transport vehicle in any public place.
3. No learner’s license or driving license shall be issued to any person to drive a vehicle of the class to which he has made an application unless he is eligible to drive that class of vehicle under this section.

Simplified Explanation

Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act sets out the age limits for driving different types of motor vehicles in India. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Key Points of Section 4:

1. Minimum Age for Driving Non-Transport Vehicles:
   • A person must be at least 18 years old to drive a motor vehicle, except for certain cases where different age limits apply (such as for transport vehicles).
2. Minimum Age for Driving Transport Vehicles:
   • To drive a transport vehicle (such as a truck, bus, taxi, or any other commercial vehicle), a person must be at least 20 years old.
   • This includes vehicles used for carrying goods or passengers for hire or reward.
   • Transport vehicles typically require more skill and experience, which is why the minimum age limit is higher.
3. Driving Gearless Two-Wheelers (Light Motor Vehicles):
   • A person who is at least 16 years old can drive a gearless two-wheeler (like scooters or mopeds) with an engine capacity of not more than 50cc, provided they have parental consent.
4. Learner’s License:
   • A person who meets the minimum age requirement for the type of vehicle they want to drive can apply for a learner’s license first. This allows them to practice driving under certain conditions before they can get a permanent license.
5. Age Relaxation for Certain Cases:
   • The government may prescribe different age limits for certain types of vehicles, such as special purpose vehicles (e.g., construction vehicles), but these exceptions are clearly regulated and controlled.

Purpose of Section 4:

• Road Safety: The age restrictions ensure that drivers have the necessary maturity and judgment to operate vehicles safely. Younger drivers may lack the experience or emotional control needed for safe driving, particularly with heavy or complex vehicles.
• Skill Level: Different vehicles require different levels of skill. For example, transport vehicles like trucks or buses are more challenging to operate than personal cars, which is why the law mandates a higher age for driving them.
• Liability and Legal Protection: If someone under the legal driving age is caught driving, they can face legal penalties, and their insurance claims may be rejected in case of an accident.

Offenses and Penalties:

• Driving a vehicle without meeting the required age limit can lead to fines, disqualification from obtaining a driving license for a specified period, and in some cases, imprisonment.

Conclusion:

Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act ensures that individuals must reach a certain age before they can legally drive different types of motor vehicles. The age limits vary based on the type of vehicle, with specific requirements for private vehicles, gearless two-wheelers, and commercial transport vehicles.