Study of the penalties and legal implications for drunk driving

Driving while intoxicated is playing with fire. Even though everyone knows it is risky, some people still do it. In India, where the streets are very busy, it is already difficult to get through crowds while sober. Once again, drinking and driving can have serious consequences.

Read on to find out the penalties, legal implications, and fines associated with the consequences of drunk driving in India. Take a look!

Sanctions and legal implications in India

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only morally wrong but also against Indian law. If caught, you could face a hefty fine for drunk driving, a suspension of your license or even a jail sentence. If a person is found with a blood alcohol level (above 30 mg per 100 ml of blood), they are said to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 strictly prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Take a look

As per Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2016, driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is punishable for the first offence with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months and/or a fine which may extend to Rs. 10,000. If a second offence is committed within three years of the first offence, it is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years and/or a fine of Rs.

Aside from the legal consequences, many people caught driving under the influence of alcohol get away with paying a DUI fine. However, these fines can be steep, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction. Additionally, being caught driving under the influence of alcohol can have a significant impact on your car insurance, often leading to increased premiums or even the cancellation of your policy.

Drink driving can result in your driver’s license being suspended for six months.2 This means that you will be legally prohibited from driving any motor vehicle during your suspension period.

In serious cases, especially if the offence results in accidents resulting in injury or death, you may face imprisonment. The length of the sentence can range from a few months to several years, depending on the law and the circumstances of the case.

Consequences

Drinking and driving can have serious consequences, in addition to legal implications. Here are some examples:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs not only results in injury or death to others, but also to the driver.

In addition to the legal consequences mentioned above, you may suffer lifelong repercussions. Criminal records can impact your employment opportunities, financial difficulties, travel plans, and social status.

The emotional repercussions extend beyond the legal implications. Accident survivors can suffer from trauma, anxiety and depression, while victims’ families must deal with grief and loss.

Conclusion

In India, the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are severe and extensive. The consequences can be life-changing for individuals and families, and can range from emotional burden to legal consequences and financial hardship. It is therefore best to avoid such situations and understand the complexity of the issue.