Driving a vehicle is important for a lot of people, because it offers us convenience and independence. It is in other words, an art to simplify the way of living by commuting from one place to another. Even learning how to drive and finally getting a valid driving license is often a huge milestone in our lives! 

But, driving is a responsibility, and it is important to obey all traffic rules when we drive, especially not driving under the influence of alcohol is a responsibility. It is to make sure that any rash decisions or faulty behavior don’t cause grave accidents that can put lives in danger. 

Life is valuable and so while driving you should always remember that someone is waiting for you back home. At all times, one must abide by the traffic rules, and ensure that they don’t do anything to put others in jeopardy. And, one of the main things to avoid is drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a grave concern in India. 

Is it illegal to drive when you are drunk?

Yes, it most certainly is! As per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988, it is illegal to drive when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than an amount of 30mg alcohol in a sample of 100 ml blood if detected, or if the presence of drugs are detected in the blood sample test of the concerned driver, then it is considered as a punishable offence by Indian law and deserves a penalty.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a criminal offence. 

As per NCRB reports, Uttar Pradesh has reported the largest number of cases of drink-and-drive, where drivers were found to be under the influence of drugs. Out of all the road accidents cases in the nation, 1.9% was under the influence of careless driving upon intake of alcohol and drugs. This amounted to 2,935 deaths and 7,235 victims suffering injuries during the year 2021. (1)

For the first offence, one might have to face imprisonment for 6 months and/or a traffic violation fine up to ₹10,000. (Before 2019, the fine for first offence was ₹2,000)

For the second offence, one can face imprisonment up to 2 years and/or a fine of ₹15,000 (increased in 2019 from ₹3,000), and all repeat offenders may also face penalties regarding their driving license. 

Is the fine the same for all types of vehicles?

Yes, the amount of penalty imposed for drunk driving is the same for all vehicles be it a two-wheeler, three-wheeler, or a commercial vehicle. 

If any vehicle is stopped for suspected drunk driving, the traffic police will ask the driver to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test. They will be asked to blow into a breathalyzer, and if the value of alcohol exceeds 30mg per 100ml of blood, then they have exceeded the permitted limits, and will be held guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Remember, do not refuse to take the test, as there will be serious consequences. If the police suspect drunkenness, they can suspend one’s license and place them under arrest without a warrant. The driver might even be taken to the closest hospital or police station for a blood test. This is because the person who has done this has put their own life and the life of others at risk on the road. 

You may pay the fine either online or offline for the challan:

For online payments:  

• Visit the website of your respective State’s Transport Department.

• Click on the tab of “payment of e-challan” or “traffic violation payment”. 

• Enter the vehicle number and/or challan number, and fill in the required captcha code.

• Make an online payment using a debit or credit card, e-wallets or through UPI.  (You can pay the penalty via UPI, debit/credit card or through e-wallets)

• After the payment is done, you will receive a message for confirmation of payment and a receipt on your registered number. 

For offline payments:

Visit the nearest traffic police station in your area. Show them your challan and ask for the amount you are liable to pay for the impending fine. This amount will be based on the severity of the violation. Clear all the dues and keep the receipt. 

Always follow the traffic rules as a repeated offence attracts heavier penalties, even imprisonment. Additionally, remember that all drivers are legally required to have a valid driving license. Carry a copy of this, along with the vehicle’s registration certificate, and its insurance details whenever you are on the road.

While it is important to know what to do in a situation where you are caught driving drunk, remember that you are breaking the law. Thus, it is best to avoid being in such a situation in the first place. So if you’re going to be drinking, just remember these tips to make sure you don’t drive while you’re under the influence:

• Make sure you don’t drink if you know you have to drive afterwards.

• Book a cab or auto to take you wherever you are going. 

• If it is too late for a cab, ask a friend or relative who stays nearby if you can spend the night with them.  

• If you are going out as a group, pick a designated driver who won’t be drinking. 

• Leave your car at home. If you don’t have it with you, you won’t be able to drive it while drunk!

• If you see a friend who is drunk attempting to drive, you can protect them by taking away their keys. They may be angry at you for a while, but remember, the alternative is a lot worse.

Finally, always remember that when you drink and drive, it is more than just about you (or your passengers). Getting a fine may not seem like a big deal, but driving under the influence is a serious issue that can end up injuring or killing yourself, or someone else. So don’t take chances with your own life and the lives of others. Don’t drink and drive, and always remember to drink responsibly.  
 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned here is collected from different online websites, news websites and government sources. They may change over time. Please check the official government websites and verify the information before making any decision.