MYSURU: Minors performing reckless bike stunts on public roads are not only putting their own lives at risk, but are also posing a serious threat to motorists and pedestrians. Over the last three years, the police across the state have registered 1,805 cases against minors and their parents, collecting fines of Rs 1.77 crore. Tragically, 27 people have lost their lives in accidents involving minors.
As per data available with TNIE, Bengaluru recorded the highest number of cases against minors and their parents for illegal riding, followed by Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kodagu and other districts.
In Bengaluru, the police registered 240 cases in 2023, collecting Rs 18.31 lakh in fines. In 2024, the number rose to 378 cases with Rs 16.99 lakh in fines, and further increased to 632 cases in 2025, with Rs 15.65 lakh collected.
In Mysuru, 21 cases were registered against minors and 15 against parents in 2023, with fines totalling Rs 13.55 lakh. In 2024, 27 cases against minors and 33 against parents were recorded, with Rs 1.21 lakh collected. In 2025, 19 cases against minors and 34 against parents were booked, with fines of Rs 1.37 lakh.
In Tumakuru district, 21 cases (including 8 against parents) were registered in 2023, with Rs 78,000 in fines. This rose to 35 cases (13 against parents) and Rs 95,500 in fines in 2024, while 2025 saw 21 cases (6 against parents) and Rs 1.50 lakh in fines. Bengaluru also leads in cases related specifically to bike stunts such as wheelies.
The police registered 242 cases (including 70 against parents) in 2023, collecting Rs 23.84 lakh in fines. In 2024, 532 cases (120 against parents) were booked, with Rs 45.82 lakh collected, while 2025 saw 646 cases (159 against parents) and Rs 91.17 lakh in fines.
In Mysuru city, 26 such cases (14 against parents) were registered in 2023, with Rs 1.19 lakh collected. This increased to 31 cases (20 against parents) and Rs 1.95 lakh in 2024, and 48 cases (42 against parents) in 2025, with Rs 1.19 lakh in fines.
A senior police officer said that to prevent minors from driving, cases are being registered under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the Indian Motor Vehicles Act with offenders being booked and vehicles seized. "Recommendations are sent to the Regional Transport Office to cancel the registration of vehicles involved. Special drives are conducted and awareness programmes held during Road Safety Month every January," the officer said.
To tackle wheelies by minors, the police have identified hotspots where such stunts are done and intensified patrols. "In all, 37 locations in Bengaluru have been identified where wheeling is common. Cobra teams have been deployed for surveillance and enforcement. Preventive Action Reports are being filed under Section 107 of the CrPC before special executive magistrates. Awareness is being spread through social media platforms like Facebook and X, and through school visits under the SARS scheme to educate students," he said.