Hyderabad Cracks Down On Drunk Driving With Stricter Enforcement

Hyderabad Traffic DCP II Kajal said that cases are registered under the Motor Vehicles Act if a driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds 30 mg/100 ml. Once caught, the immediate priority of the police is to ensure road safety. “The individual is already a threat on the road. We contact a family member or a relative to take them home safely,” she said.

Another officer adding to it said that enforcement is not without challenges. In several cases, drivers fail to produce vehicle documents or are not even the owners of the vehicle. “Some argue that they are in control and would have reached home safely if not stopped. Others question why police are concerned, saying it’s their money they spent on alcohol,” an officer noted, highlighting the resistance faced during checks.

Police clarified that drunk driving checks are not confined to weekends. Surprise checks are conducted across the city even on weekdays, and enforcement teams frequently change locations to counter WhatsApp groups that alert motorists about checkpoints.

An important aspect of enforcement is identifying repeat offenders. Police said that the system immediately points out whether a person has prior offences. Following the booking, a chargesheet is filed, and the case is presented before the court, which decides the punishment, said the DCP.

Apart from legal action, the department has introduced counselling as a corrective measure. “We do not just counsel the driver, but also call their family members. They are made aware of the legal consequences, psychological impact, and risks involved, the DCP said.

For prosecution, police rely on digital evidence. The BAC reading is recorded through a breath analyser, and a printout is issued to the driver. This, along with a time-stamped photograph, is submitted as evidence in court.

Traffic police reiterated that their objective is not to restrict individuals from consuming alcohol but to ensure responsible behaviour. “If people can spend heavily on alcohol, they can spend Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 on a cab, bike taxi, or arrange a non-drinking friend to drive,” said and official.

Authorities warned that those with extremely high BAC levels face stricter consequences, including mandatory court appearance and possible jail time. They urged citizens to prioritise safety highlighting that a single irresponsible decision could have irreversible consequences.