Is it illegal to drive when you are drunk?
Driving under the influence of alcohol is unequivocally illegal in India. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, explicitly prohibits individuals from operating a vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the prescribed limit. In India, a person is considered to be drunk if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is more than 0.03%. It is illegal to drive if the BAC is more than 0.03%. This legal limit is set at 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood or 0.03%. The drunk and drive fine could put a significant dent in your savings and reputation.
What happens if you are caught for drunk driving?
If an individual is caught driving under the influence, they are subjected to a stringent legal process. Law enforcement agencies employ various methods, such as breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests, to determine the driver's level of intoxication.
Upon confirming the offence, the traffic police issue a traffic challan. This document outlines the specific violation, the amount of the fine, and provides details about the legal consequences that the offender may face. The fine for drunk driving may vary based on factors such as the driver's BAC level, the number of offences, and whether it is a repeat offence.
Two-wheeler riders are held to the same standards as those operating four-wheelers, emphasizing the gravity of the offence regardless of the vehicle type.
The fines for drink and drive offences are as follows:
First offence: A fine up to Rs. 10,000 along with a possible imprisonment of up to six months. The fine used to be Rs. 2,000 earlier.
Second offence: A fine up to Rs. 15,000 along with a possible imprisonment of up to two years.
Repeat offenders may face heavier fines, imprisonment, and suspension of their driving licenses. Please note these penalties are applicable for private and commercial vehicles as well as two-wheelers.
Also read: Parivahan Sewa
Process to pay drink-and-drive fine
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offense in India. If caught, you will face hefty drink and drive fines, drunk and drive fines, or drunk driving fines. Here’s the process to pay such fines in India:
- Receive the challan: The traffic police will issue a challan for the offence. The challan will mention the amount of fine and the process to pay it.
- Online payment: You can pay the fine online through the state transport department's website. Enter the challan number and submit the payment.
- Offline payment: You can also pay the fine offline at any traffic police station in the city. Carry the challan and pay the fine through cash, check, or demand draft.
Remember to never drink and drive to avoid getting fined and jeopardising your life and the lives of others on the road.
Impact on motor insurance in case of drink and drive fine
A drink-and-drive fine can have significant repercussions on motor insurance in India.
- Insurance providers view driving under the influence as a high-risk behaviour, and individuals with such violations may experience a substantial increase in their insurance premiums.
- In some cases, insurers may even refuse to renew policies or cancel existing ones, leaving the offender without coverage.
- Repeated instances of drunk driving fines can further exacerbate the situation, making it challenging for individuals to secure affordable and comprehensive motor insurance.
Therefore, besides legal consequences, the financial impact on insurance serves as an additional deterrent for individuals tempted to engage in drunk driving.
The drink-and-drive fine or offences in India are not to be taken lightly. The legal consequences are designed to deter individuals from endangering themselves and others on the road. Ultimately, the safety of the roads lies in the hands of each individual driver. By adhering to traffic rules and refraining from drunk driving, we can collectively contribute to creating a safer and more responsible driving culture in India.
How to avoid drinking and driving
Drinking and driving is a serious offence resulting in hefty fines, suspension of your driving license, and even imprisonment in some cases. Here are some tips on how you can avoid drinking and driving:
- Plan ahead: Make arrangements before you go out to drink. Assign a designated driver, call a cab, or use public transport.
- Stay overnight: Book a hotel or stay with a friend if you plan on drinking heavily or get too late to arrange other transportations.
- Designated driver: If you’re going out with friends, pick a designated driver who will not drink and drive.
- Understand the consequences: Understand the severity of the drink and drive fine, drunk and drive fine, and the drink and drive penalty to recognise the gravity of the situation.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid putting yourself and others in danger and avoid the consequences that come with drinking and driving.
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