Drunken Driving Laws in India

Incidentally, India has held the distinction of recording the maximum number of reported road accidents in the world. In 2005, reports by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NTPRC) stated that India had three times more road accidents than most developed countries. There were approximately 35 accidents per 1,000 vehicles in India during the year; while this figure for developed nations was between 4 and 10.

Drunken Driving: Primary Cause of Fatal Road Accidents

Drunken driving is the most important cause for road accidents in India. Cases of drunken driving are governed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939. An individual found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol is subject to a jail term of six months and/or a fine of up to Rs.2, 000. The clause of drunken driving in the Motor Vehicles Act was amended in 1994, wherein a Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) of up to 30 mg per 100 ml of blood was deemed legal.

The impact of rising BAL on driving is as follows:

• .02% - Lowered inhibition
• .05% - Lowered alertness and focus
• .08% - Noticeable impairment in judgment and coordination. This is the maximum legal limit for driving under the influence.
• .10% - Mood swings and lowered response
• .15% - Impaired movement and balance
• .30% - Possible loss of consciousness

Drunken Driving Laws in India: A Final Word

Although, India has one of the largest accident rates, the conviction rates are extremely low. In Maharashtra, for example, in 2005, 214 negligent driving criminal cases were registered, although only a marginal 9 percent were convicted. 

The reason for the bleak scenario is attributed to the delay in court judgments.