Local
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior today, Friday, issued a stern warning to parents against allowing their minor children to drive vehicles. The Ministry affirmed this constitutes a clear legal violation and poses a grave threat to both their lives and road users' safety. In this context, Ministry spokesperson Colonel Mohammed Ali Al-Hassoun clarified that traffic safety is a collective responsibility, starting from the family and extending to the entire community, not solely confined to traffic patrol measures. Al-Hassoun stressed that minors driving vehicles directly endangers their lives, as well as those of other road users. Al-Hassoun added that Traffic Law No. (8) of 2019 sets clear regulations for vehicle operation. Article (20) stipulates no person may drive any vehicle without an official driver's license, while Article (21) specifies conditions and ages for issuing licenses based on category. Furthermore, Al-Hassoun noted the law places direct responsibility on anyone allowing unlicensed individuals to drive their vehicle. Article (33) explicitly states that the owner or holder permitting an unlicensed person to operate it faces penalties including imprisonment, a financial fine, or both. Concluding, the official spokesperson affirmed the General Directorate of Traffic's ongoing efforts to intensify awareness and supervisory campaigns, monitor violations, and regulate traffic flow to reduce accident causes. Al-Hassoun reiterated his call to parents not to be lenient in allowing children to drive vehicles contrary to legal regulations, to preserve lives and property.
