Drink And Drive Fine In Delhi

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not just dangerous, but also illegal in India. The alcohol prohibition in India has strict guidelines for those who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. In Delhi, the rules and fines are stringent to ensure the safety of all road users. This article delves into the legal consequences of drunk driving in the capital, including fines, limits, and the process of checking and paying fines. According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Delhi stood 1st when it comes to road injury crashes among all Union Territories. The government has mandated the purchase of third-party motor insurance for all vehicles to combat the consequences of harmful road accidents. Along with insurance, the relevant authorities have also ensured the compliance of traffic rules and regulations through traffic fines and penalties.* One of the most important of these penalties is the one for drinking and driving. If an individual is found driving a vehicle while heavily under the influence of alcohol, the authorities can impose a fine on them. These fines were recently updated. Let’s learn more about them.

Is It Illegal to Drink and Drive in Delhi?

Yes, it is illegal to drink and drive in Delhi. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, the legal drink drive limit in India is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.03%, which translates to 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Exceeding this limit is considered a punishable offense. Delhi traffic police conduct random checks to deter drivers from violating this rule. Those caught face hefty fines and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

What is the Updated Drink and Drive Fine in Delhi?

Here is what a person may have to pay if caught in a drink-and-drive scenario:

1. For a first-time violation, they will be issued a court challan and required to pay a fine of ₹ 10,000. According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, the court also has the authority to impose a six-month prison sentence or levy both penalties.
2. Before September 1, 2019, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol, as per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, was ₹ 2,000 and/or a six-month jail sentence.
3. The penalty for driving while drunk are applicable to all categories of vehicles, including four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles.

The penalty for drink and drive violations can increase in severity in case of a second-time offence.

1. In the case of a repeated violation, committing a second drunk driving offence could lead to two-year imprisonment and/or a fine of Rs. 15,000.
2. Earlier (before the amendment), the penalty stood at Rs. 3,000 and/or a two-year prison term for a second-time offence.

How is Drinking and Driving Checked in Delhi?

The Delhi Traffic Police employs several methods to check for drivers under the influence. One common technique is the use of breath analysers at checkpoints. If a driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit, they are immediately fined or arrested. This proactive approach helps in maintaining road safety and reducing accidents caused by impaired driving. With strict enforcement, the authorities ensure compliance with the alcohol prohibition in India. Also Read: Underage Driving Rules & Fines: A Complete Guide

How Does the Police Verify Drink and Drive Cases?

To check if a driver is severely intoxicated, the police conduct a BAC or Blood Alcohol Content test. After the amendments, any other test, including a laboratory test, is also valid. The police use a breath analyser for the most part. If the blood alcohol content is more than 30 mg per 100 ml of blood, then you can be issued a Delhi police challan for drinking and driving.

Other Consequences of Drinking and Driving 

Along with having to pay a fine and/or going through imprisonment, there can be many other consequences of driving while drunk. Here are some of them:

1. Drinking while driving poses a threat to road safety. In fact, the Delhi Police consider it a major risk factor for road accidents.
2. If you get involved in an accident while drunk driving, and your vehicle suffers damages, your car insurance policy may not be able to help you. All insurance providers consider driving under the influence of alcohol as an exclusion. Hence, your claim to get compensation for damages to your car may not be approved.*Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under motor insurance policy.
3. Drunk driving also puts your life and that of your co-passengers in danger. An accident can harm you or your loved ones and cause irreversible damage.

Hence, one must avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol to ensure the safety of oneself, others, and their finances. Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Delhi Traffic Fines Know Your Penalties

List of Common Traffic Violations and their Fines in Delhi

Apart from drink-and-drive violations, these are some major traffic violations which can lead to a Delhi police challan:

Traffic violation	Vehicle type	Penalty (in ₹)
Driving or riding without a valid driver’s licence	All vehicles	5,000
Driving or riding without car insurance or other valid insurance coverage as per vehicle (such as bike insurance for two-wheelers)	All vehicles	2,000 (4,000 for repeat offence)
Driving or riding without a valid registration certificate	All vehicles	5,000 (10,000 for repeat offence)
Speeding above the limit	All vehicles	LMV – 2,000; MMV/HTV – 4,000
Dangerous driving or riding	All vehicles	5,000 and/or 6 months to 1 year imprisonment; driver’s licence may be seized as well
Jumping the red light	All vehicles	1,000
Racing and speeding	All vehicles	5,000 and/or 3 months of imprisonment and community service (For repeated violation – 10,000 and/or up to a year of imprisonment, community service)
Driving or riding while using the mobile phone in hand	All vehicles	5,000 (10,000 for repeat offence)
Driving without wearing a seatbelt	Car, van, truck, etc.	1,000
Riding without a helmet (for pillion riders as well)	Two-wheeler	1,000
Not wearing a helmet properly (for instance, without fastening the straps)	Two-wheeler	1,000

Also Read: How to Check And Pay Traffic E-Challan Online Carrying documents such as the driver’s licence, motor insurance papers, the registration certificate, and so on, with you is important while driving. If carrying the papers physically is a hassle, you can also carry soft copies in the mParivahan or DigiLocker app. By avoiding drunk driving and following traffic regulations, one can create safer roads and a safer community.

FAQs

How can I check my traffic fine in Delhi?

You can check your traffic fine by visiting the official website of the Delhi Traffic Police and entering your vehicle number. The portal will display any pending fines against your vehicle.

How can I pay the traffic police fine in Delhi?

You can pay your traffic fines online through the Delhi Traffic Police website or the e-challan website. Alternatively, you can visit a nearby traffic police station to make the payment in person.

What happens if I do not pay the traffic fine in Delhi?

Failing to pay a traffic fine can result in increased penalties or even legal action. Your vehicle registration could be suspended, and in severe cases, a court summons may be issued.

What is the fine for drunk driving in Delhi?

The fine for drunk driving ranges from ₹10,000 for the first offense to ₹15,000 for subsequent offenses. The penalties may also include imprisonment and license suspension. Also Read: Jumping the Red Light: Fines and Payment Methods Also Read: RTO Fine For Using Tinted Glass *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.