In India, driving under the influence of liquor or drugs is considered a criminal offence and is punishable by law. If drugs get detected in the driver’s blood sample test, it will be a punishable offence, and the person will have to pay a drunk driving penalty. In this article, we will discuss the fines and penalties for drunk driving in India and the process for paying these fines. The article also emphasises the importance of avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal drinking age in India varies from state to state, but the drinking and driving rules are the same across the country. It is essential to drive safely and responsibly to ensure a safe and smooth ride for everyone on the roads.
What is the fine for drunk driving in India?
According to Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, if a driver has more than 30 mg of alcohol in a sample of 100 ml of blood, it is considered a punishable offence. A drunk and drive fine will be applied accordingly. The fine for a first offence can be up to Rs 10,000; repeat offenders may face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to Rs 15,000. These penalties are the same for all vehicles.
It is important to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it can lead to serious consequences, including injury or death. To prevent drunk driving, individuals can plan by not drinking if they know they will be driving, booking a cab or auto-rickshaw, staying overnight with a friend or relative, picking a designated driver, and leaving their car at home.
It is also essential to be aware of the legal drinking age in different states in India and to drink responsibly to avoid the drink-and-drive penalty.
The legal drinking age in India varies from 18 to 25 years, depending on the state. Some states have banned alcohol entirely, while others have a legal drinking age of 25 years. Most states have a legal drinking age of 21 years. However, the drinking and driving rules, including the drunk driving penalty, are the same for all states, and it is illegal to drive under the influence of liquor or drugs.
Process to pay the fines
You can pay either online and offline while paying a drunk driving fine depending on the state and the mode of issuance of the challan:
- If you get caught driving under the impact of drugs or alcohol, the designated officer will issue a challan for the drunk-driving fine. This is applicable only if the test shows a value equal to or more than 30 mg/100 ml of blood.
- It is advised not to refuse the test as it may result in further legal complications and arrest. You can pay the fine online or offline as per the challan.
- For online payment to pay a drunk driving fine, you can do the following:
- You need to visit the official website of the State’s Department of Transport
- Click on the payment tab for e-challan or traffic violation
- enter the vehicle number or challan number
- fill in the captcha code
- You can make the payment using your debit or credit card or an e-wallet. After successful processing, you will receive a receipt confirmation message.
- If you cannot pay online, you can visit the traffic police station in your zone and enquire about the amount of fine for drinking and driving.
- You can then make the payment offline using cash or your debit/credit card and take a receipt for the same.
Impact on motor insurance in case of drink and drive fine
Getting fined for drunk driving does not just end with paying a penalty—it can also have a significant impact on your car insurance policy.
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Rejection of claims:
If you are involved in an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol, your insurer has the right to reject any claims. Most car insurance policies have strict rules against drunk driving, and if proven, this results in the rejection of the claim.
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Premium hikes and policy cancellation:
A history of drunk driving can result in increased premiums when you renew your policy. In some cases, insurers might refuse to renew your car insurance policy altogether, considering you a high-risk driver.
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Legal and financial liabilities:
If a third party is injured or property is damaged while you are driving drunk, you may be held personally liable for all costs—even if you have third party car insurance. This affects the primary benefit of insurance protection and can result in financial strain.
Conclusion
It is important to drive safely by obeying traffic rules, avoiding drinking and driving, and using a cab if necessary. We are responsible not only for our safety but also for the safety of others on the roads when we are driving. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and follow traffic regulations. Also, ensure that you have a third-party car insurance since it is mandatory in India as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
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