Drinking and Driving Fine: What You’ll Pay In Every Indian State

Drinking and driving is no longer something you can shrug off with a ₹500 slap on the wrist. Across India, stricter laws, rising accident rates, and tougher state enforcement in 2025 mean that the drinking and driving fine is higher than ever—and it's not just about the money. A first offense can set you back by ₹10,000, while repeat incidents could mean license cancellation or even jail.

But there's a lot of confusion around the specifics. Different states interpret things differently. Some impose harsher penalties if you're caught near schools or highways. Others send you straight to court. So if you’ve ever wondered how much you’ll really have to pay, or what exactly happens when the police pull you over for drunk driving, this guide gives you all the information, for all states in India.

State-wise Drinking and Driving Fine in India

In most states across India, the drinking and driving fine is ₹10,000 for the first offense. But that’s just the beginning. A higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC), repeat offenses, or refusal to cooperate can lead to harsher consequences. Below is a detailed breakdown of fines and penalties as they currently stand in 2025.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, getting caught driving under the influence will set you back by ₹10,000 for a first-time offense, while a repeat violation attracts a ₹15,000 fine. The traffic police also impose a license suspension of 3 months, depending on the severity. Mumbai and Pune see frequent drink-and-drive checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays. Enforcement is particularly strict during festive seasons when road safety campaigns intensify. You can easily check and pay your challan in Maharashtra online.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Delhi

Delhi imposes a ₹10,000 fine for the first offense, and ₹15,000 for repeat offenders. If you're caught more than once, you could also face a 6-month license suspension. The capital uses a wide network of CCTVs and breathalyzer checkpoints, especially in high-traffic areas and nightlife hotspots. Delhi Police regularly conduct surprise checks to deter drunk driving and ensure safety on the roads. To pay your challan in Delhi, you can do it easily from the CARS24 portal.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Karnataka

In Karnataka, ₹10,000 is the penalty for a first-time offense of drunk driving, with ₹15,000 levied on repeat offenders. The traffic department also holds the right to suspend your license based on the situation. Bengaluru, in particular, has stepped up enforcement, with traffic cops using breath analyzers and surveillance cameras to monitor violations late into the night. If you get fined, pay your challan in Karnataka through the CARS24 website.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu charges ₹10,000 for first-time violations, and ₹15,000 if you're caught again. Drivers may also face license suspension depending on the situation. In cities like Chennai and Coimbatore, law enforcement carries out late-night drunk-driving checks at major junctions, with increased monitoring during public holidays and weekends. You can check the status of your challan in Tamil Nadu from the CARS24 site.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh has standardized its fine structure with ₹10,000 for a first offense and ₹15,000 for repeat violations, along with the possibility of a license suspension. In Lucknow, Kanpur, and other major cities, authorities conduct random breathalyzer tests at busy intersections, especially after 9 PM.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Gujarat

In Gujarat, a ₹10,000 fine is charged the first time you're caught drunk behind the wheel. Get caught again, and you're looking at a ₹15,000 fine and license suspension. Cities like Ahmedabad and Surat are seeing increased vigilance, with traffic squads being deployed near party hubs and bars. If you do get fined, you can pay your challan in Gujarat online.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Rajasthan

The state of Rajasthan charges ₹10,000 for the first offense, and ₹15,000 for repeat offenses, with license suspension applicable. Jaipur Traffic Police are known for strict overnight checks, especially along highway entry points and event venues. The state has also started using digital monitoring tools to flag repeat offenders. To clear your offense, be sure to pay your challan in Rajasthan online.

Drinking and Driving Fine in West Bengal

West Bengal follows the same fine structure with ₹10,000 for the first offense, ₹15,000 for repeat offenses, and possible license suspension. Kolkata Police often run sobriety checkpoints in nightlife districts and major arterial roads. The local administration has taken up several road safety campaigns to reduce drunk driving incidents. To know the status of your challan in West Bengal, head to the CARS24 portal.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Telangana

Telangana enforces a ₹10,000 fine initially, and ₹15,000 for subsequent violations, with license suspension possible after repeat offenses. Hyderabad police have significantly ramped up breathalyzer tests at night, especially near IT hubs, event venues, and popular weekend spots. If you need to clear your fines, be sure to clear your challans in Telangana online.

Drinking and Driving Fine in Kerala

In Kerala, the fine is ₹10,000 for first-time offenders and ₹15,000 for repeat violations, along with license suspension in most cases. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram traffic units are known for their surprise late-night enforcement drives. These operations intensify during tourist seasons when road traffic increases substantially. Your challans in Kerala can be cleared online.

If your BAC is over 30mg per 100ml of blood, you’re considered legally drunk. Some states run random breath checks more aggressively than others, especially in urban nightlife zones.

Drink and Drive Fine Section of the Motor Vehicles Act

The drinking and driving fine is officially covered under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which was heavily amended in 2019. That amendment increased the fine from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 and added the possibility of up to 6 months in jail for a first offense, and up to 2 years for a repeat offense.

According to the law, if a person drives or attempts to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and their BAC exceeds the prescribed limit, they are punishable with:

• A fine of ₹10,000 or
• Imprisonment up to 6 months, or both
   

For a second offense within three years:

• A fine of ₹15,000
• Imprisonment up to 2 years
• License suspension or disqualification
   

The Act also empowers traffic officers to seize your license and vehicle, if necessary. Some states now also mandate counseling sessions or awareness courses for offenders, especially younger drivers.

What Happens When you're Caught Drinking and Driving

When you're pulled over for suspected drinking and driving, the police may ask you to step out and take a breathalyzer test. If you test positive, they’ll either issue a challan on the spot or take you to a traffic police station for further processing.

Once the offense is confirmed, you’ll be handed a receipt that includes the fine amount. In cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru, the officer might seize your license temporarily and provide a court hearing date. First-time offenders usually don’t need to appear in court unless their BAC is excessively high or they behaved aggressively during the stop.

If you're involved in an accident while under the influence, the consequences get much worse. You can be charged under IPC sections like 304A (causing death by negligence), which carry severe penalties, including jail time.

How to Pay the Drink and Drive Fine

Most drinking and driving fines are issued digitally now. If you receive an e-challan, you can pay it online through the Parivahan portal or your state’s dedicated traffic police website. 

Here’s how the Process works

• Step 1: Visit https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in
• Step 2: Enter your vehicle number or challan number
• Step 3: View the details and click on “Pay Now”
• Step 4: Choose your payment method (UPI, net banking, card)
• Step 5: Download the payment receipt

Alternatively, CARS24 offers a quick and hassle-free way to check and pay your challan online. All you need is your vehicle registration number. The platform lets you instantly view any pending fines—whether issued by the traffic police or through automated e-challan systems. From there, you can clear your dues in just a few clicks using any digital payment method.

Conclusion
 

Let’s be honest: drunk driving isn't just about breaking the law—it’s about putting your life and others’ lives at risk. In 2025, Indian states aren’t being lenient. Whether it’s a ₹10,000 fine, court hearings, or license suspension, the price of poor judgment keeps rising.

The bottom line? Just don’t drink and drive. Call a taxi, stay the night, or hand over your keys. Because no amount of fun is worth a legal mess or worse—a life lost on the road.