Shillong, March 20: Shillong Police have warned parents, who allow children to play with motorised toys on the streets, of action following a viral video of a young child riding a battery-operated mini bike on NH-6 in Shillong.
After public criticism over the video, the police said parents would be prosecuted if they are found letting children ride battery‑operated toys on public roads.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the act endangers the child and violates Section 4 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 because young children lack judgement of signals, lane discipline and blind spots.
“The small size of the bike makes it less visible to drivers and even minor collisions can result in serious injury,” he said.
Police advised that no one below 18 should ride or drive independently on public roads and that children may use such bikes only under adult supervision in parks, playgrounds or residential compounds.
“Shillong Traffic Police will take cognizance of offences, and parents can be punished under Section 199A (amended 2019) with imprisonment up to three years and a fine of Rs 25,000,” the SP warned.
