Drink and Drive Fine in Punjab

Yes, it is absolutely illegal to drink and drive in Punjab. As per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and as amended in 2019, a person having alcohol present in their blood exceeding the permissible limit, i.e., 30mg per 100ml, or is under the influence of any other substance while driving or attempting to drive a bike or a car is considered in violation.

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to address the concern of escalating drink and driving cases in various states. This targets the intoxicated drivers of two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles, along with saving the lives of others on the road.

Also, the legal drinking age in Punjab is 25, while it is 21 in a majority of the states in India. Individuals below the age of 25 can be booked under violation if caught buying or consuming alcohol. Another rule is that the sale and consumption of alcohol or any other substance is strictly prohibited in the vicinity of religious places.

Punjab police set up random checkpoints on roads, especially during the night or in rural areas during the festive season. At these checkpoints, drivers are asked to stop, and their documents are checked. Drivers or motorists who are suspected of being under the influence undergo further proceedings that might lead to charges of drunk driving.

Traffic law enforcement officials use breath analysers or Alco Metres to measure the BAC (blood alcohol content) of the driver. The driver is prompted to blow into the mouthpiece of the Alco metre, and if the results disclose that the alcohol in their body is above the permissible limit, they are booked.

After being subjected to traffic rules violations and putting lives in jeopardy by driving under the influence, the driver has to pay the drink and drive challan.

• For a first-time offence, the drink and drive penalty in Punjab includes a fine of ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 6 months.

• As a repeated offence or a second offence, the drink and drive challan in Punjab includes a fine of ₹15,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

• According to Section 20(2) of the Motor Vehicle Act 1998, the driving licence of the drunk and driver offender shall also be disqualified for a period of not less than 6 months.

• When a person is also booked under Section 185 and is again convicted, Section 20(2) gives the court of law the power to cancel the driving licence held by him/her.

When caught breaking the law after driving under the influence, the offender is issued an e-challan and sent to the registered mobile number or email address. The drink and drive challan must be settled within 60 days to prevent incurring penalties.

Individuals who receive a drink and drive challan in Punjab have the option to clear the penalty through either offline or online methods. The details of both methods of procedures for remitting the drink and drive fine in Punjab are listed below:**

For Paying The Drink And Drive Fine In Punjab Online

The extremely convenient online payment system for Punjab e-challan provides offenders with the flexibility to pay drunk and drive fine amounts online. The settlement of the drink and drive challan in Punjab can be completed through the official e-challa website, the Punjab traffic police website, or the mobile wallet services.

Paying drink and drive fine in Punjab through the Official E-challan Website:

Step 01: Go to the official website of Parivahan Seva.

Step 02: Navigate to the 'Online Services' section.

Step 03: From the dropdown menu in the Online Services segment, choose 'e-challan.’

Step 04: Access the 'Get E-challan Details' link. Enter your specific challan information and click 'Get Details.'

Step 05: The website will display violation details along with the issued challan.

Step 06: Download the payment acknowledgement and get the transaction ID for further reference.

Paying drink and drive penalty in Punjab through the Punjab Traffic Police Website:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Punjab Traffic Police

Step 02: Explore the 'Services' menu.

Step 03: Select the 'E-challan Status' feature.

Step 04: Provide your driving licence number or vehicle registration number.

Step 05: Confirm the e-challan details and make the payment using your chosen method.

Step 06: Download the payment receipt for your records.

Paying drink and drive challan in Punjab using a Mobile Wallet:

Step 01: Open your mobile wallet app.

Step 02: Select the bill payment or recharge option.

Step 03: Select “Challans” from the available choices.

Step 04: Pick the Punjab Traffic authority and enter the details like registration number and more.

Step 05: Put the drunk and drive fine amount and process the transaction.

Step 06: Download the receipt for future reference.

For Paying The Drink And Drive Penalty In Punjab Offline

Step 01: Print a clear hard copy of the e-challan issued and note down the critical details like the drunk and drive fine amount and the deadline.

Step 02: Choose your payment mode (demand draft, cheque or pay order).

Step 03: Enter recipient as 'DCP/ Traffic (HQs).'

Step 04: Send the printed e-challan and the fine payment to the 'DCP/ Traffic (HQs) Office, Punjab Traffic Police.'

Step 05: After paying your drink and driving fine in Punjab payment, Punjab traffic authorities will send out a confirmation text to your email address and/or mobile number registered with the vehicle.

Step 06: You will also receive a transaction ID for future reference, ensuring proper payment documentation.

As much as drinking may be fun, it poses severe perils when overconfidence leads to driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Here are a few ways to prevent such situations:

• Choose someone in your group who will not be consuming alcohol to be the designated driver for the night.

• If you're about to attend an event where alcohol will be served, consider staying overnight at a friend's place or booking accommodation nearby.

• Opt for public transportation or ridesharing services like taxis or ride-hailing apps

The act of drinking and driving is not only unlawful but also poses an imminent threat to the safety of oneself and others on the road. The Motor Vehicle Act requires all motorists to secure third-party insurance. However, opting for comprehensive two-wheeler insurance or four-wheeler insurance is highly recommended.

Moreover, purchasing a four-wheeler or two-wheeler insurance policy from a trusted insurance provider like Tata AIG is crucial. Our vehicle insurance policy offers cost-effective plans and extensive coverage. Hence, if you have recently purchased a bike, it is advisable to opt for insurance for a 2-wheeler immediately. Your bike insurance policy will offer coverage against multiple damages and losses.

Promote responsible behaviour by sharing information about the risks of driving under the influence with friends and family.

Always prioritise responsible drinking!