In a major crackdown on drunk driving, the Chittoor police launched a special drive to catch individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. The violators were caught and produced in the Principal Junior Civil Court on Wednesday and a total fine of ₹1.8 lakhs was imposed on them.
Inspector Nitya Babu, in-charge of traffic at Chittoor sub-division, revealed that in January alone, around 717 cases of drunk driving were recorded in the district, leading to cumulative fines amounting to approximately ₹71.7 lakh. The special drives will continue in order to enforce road safety regulations, he said.
The official emphasised the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, calling it a major risk to both the driver and other road users. He urged the road users to strictly adhere to traffic laws, warning that severe penalties await those who fail to comply.
Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, first-time offenders caught driving under the influence of alcohol may face a fine of up to ₹10,000 or six months of imprisonment, or both. Repeat offenders could be penalised with a fine of ₹15,000 or three years of imprisonment.
“We are for a zero-tolerance approach towards drunk driving and reckless behaviour on the roads. It’s a warning that non-compliance will lead to strict legal action and heavy penalties,” Mr. Nithya Babu said.
Published – February 05, 2025 06:57 pm IST