It has become a trend on Indian roads. Kids standing on the car seat, their upper body out through the sunroof, waving or enjoying the breeze while the vehicle is in motion. Some parents even encourage it, smiling proudly as if it is something to be proud of. But here’s the truth: this behaviour is dangerous, careless, and downright stupid.

It’s Not Fun. It’s a Death Trap.

Indian roads are full of surprises. A pothole, a bike cutting across lanes, or a dog crossing the road — anything can happen. If you have a child standing through the sunroof and you suddenly brake, the child could be thrown out of the car. With no seatbelt and no way to hold on, there’s nothing to stop them.

Car manufacturers add sunroofs for light and air, not for people to stick their heads or bodies out. They are not designed to handle the weight or movement of a person standing up. Modern cars are designed to protect people who are seated properly and wearing seatbelts. Airbags, crumple zones — they are all there for those who are inside the car, not sticking out of it. If there’s an accident, the airbag could push your child out with force or cause a direct head injury.

Part of this trend is fuelled by social media and even films. You see actors doing it on screen or influencers posting sunroof videos, and parents think it is harmless fun. But remember, what you see online is edited, staged, or filmed under controlled conditions. Your city’s roads are not a movie set.

It’s not just about your child’s safety. Other drivers can get distracted when they see someone sticking out of a moving car. This distraction could cause them to panic or even swerve, leading to accidents.

There’s another problem associated with this. Children learn by watching. It’s your responsibility to teach them proper civic sense. If you allow them to stand out of the sunroof, they will think it’s okay to break other rules. Tomorrow, they might not wear a helmet while riding a bike or skip their seatbelt while driving. As a parent, it’s your job to set the right example, even if it’s not what your child wants in the moment.

Do you really want to raise someone who thinks it is cool to risk lives?

It’s Not Just Dangerous, It’s Illegal

Allowing someone to ride improperly in a moving vehicle is a traffic offence. Police across many states have started cracking down on such behaviour. You can be fined, your license can be suspended, and in case of an accident, you may even face criminal charges.

Although there is no specific section in the Indian Motor Vehicles Act that directly mentions “standing out of the sunroof,” but such actions are still punishable. Letting a child stand out of the sunroof is not a standard driving practice and violates basic safety norms, so it can be booked under Section 177. It can also be categorised under dangerous driving and can ve punishable under Section 184. If police decide to escalate the matter, a parent can be booked under IPC Section 336 and IPC Section 337/338 for endangering life of a minor.

Read: Full List of Updated Penalties for Violating Traffic Rules in India

“It Won’t Happen to Me” — Until It Does

One of the most common excuses people make when you tell them not to let their child poke out of the sunroof is, “It’s just for a minute, nothing will happen.” But accidents don’t come with a warning. Every day, countless people across India get hurt or killed due to careless behavior on the roads. Don’t wait for something tragic to happen before you realize the danger.

A moment of thrill is not worth a lifetime of regret.

What Should You Do Instead?

First and foremost, always make sure your kids are seated in the back seat with their seatbelt properly fastened. This is the safest position for them while you’re driving, and it helps protect them in case of an accident.

For younger children, make use of child locks and appropriate child seats. These are specifically designed to keep them secure and safe during the ride. Never compromise on these safety measures, as they are crucial for preventing harm.

It is also important to educate your children about why certain behaviors, like sticking out of the sunroof, are dangerous. Teaching them the risks helps them understand the importance of safety and may prevent risky behavior in the future.

Finally, always set the right example for your children. Your actions speak louder than words. Don’t let your ego or desire to impress others outweigh your responsibility as a parent to keep your child safe. Lead by example and prioritize their well-being over anything else.

Final Words

If you are still letting your kid poke their head out of the sunroof, stop being an idiot. The roads are dangerous enough already. Do not add stupidity to the list. Protect your child. Do your job as a parent. And please, think before the regret becomes permanent.