Drinking and driving, otherwise known as driving under influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), is illegal in India. The Government considers drunk drivers as serious offenders of the law. Even 0.08 percent of alcohol in your bloodstream while driving can lead to considerable charges against you. And it is not just about the law; you should refrain from drinking, when you have to drive, for your safety as well. The implication of drink and drive starts from reduced concentration, decreased vision, slow reaction time, lack of co-ordination also your judgemental skills take a toll. It is vital to ensure you are in your senses before getting in the vehicle or have someone sober to drive you to your destination. Alcoholism can be treated in specialized treatment centers. If a drinking addiction strikes you or somebody you love, it is time to look for support and get your life back in order. Contact services to find the highest quality rehabilitation centers that meet your needs.
Legal age for alcohol consumption
In general, adults can consume alcohol legally. However, different rules and regulations apply in different states. In some states, such as Gujarat and Bihar, alcohol is strictly prohibited. In Himachal Pradesh and Goa, if you are an individual of age above 18 years, you can enjoy alcoholic drinks but in states like Delhi and Haryana, drinking is allowed only when a person is of 25 years or more. However, most union territories and states in India permit individuals of 21 years or more to consume alcohol.
Even if drinking regulations differ in different states, drink and drive regulations are uniformly applicable across India. The effect of alcohol is considered a crime so
motor insurance or
car insurance or even two-wheeler insurance providers may not cover the damages.
Permissible alcohol limit
In a particular test undertaken by a breath analyzer, and if the reading is above 30 MG per 100 ml of blood, it is perceived as an instance of drink and drive.
Documents that you need with you
Here is the list of documents that might be
checked during a drink and driveBlogs case:
Registration CertificateDriving License Car insurance or two-wheeler insurance papers Pollution paper
Legal Implications
In case of a drink and drive situation and if the alcohol in blood exceeds 30 mg. per 100 ml. of blood, the individual can be imprisoned for up to 6 months and/or pay a penalty of Rs 10,000.
If the influence of alcohol is to such an extent that it impairs control over the car, the imprisonment tenure can be 2 years or/and a penalty of Rs 15,000.
How to pay the fine?
The concerned officer in the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a challan if the figure, found in the test, is or over 30 Mg/100 ml of blood. You must not stop the official from conducting the examination, because in that scenario, you are likely to be arrested and confronted with additional legal complications. You can give the drink and drive penalty either online system or offline according to the challan.
To pay the penalty online, you have to log in to the State's Department of Transport's official website. Select the payment tab of e-challan or the payment for a traffic violation. You can then enter your vehicle number or the challan number to pay the fine online.