Bengaluru traffic police reinstate daily drunk driving checks to boost road safety: Report

Bengaluru Traffic Police has reinstated daily drunk driving checks citywide to combat road accidents and night crimes.

Published on: Sep 18, 2025, 21:37:58 IST

By HT News Desk, Bengaluru

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

In a renewed push to curb road accidents and reduce night-time crimes, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have brought back daily drunk driving (DD) checks across the city, not just on weekends, but throughout the week.

The initiative to reinstate drunk driving checks in Bengaluru was ordered by Traffic Joint Commissioner Karthik Reddy. (HT File Photo)

The move, which has been quietly rolled out over the past few weeks, follows a directive from Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy. In late August, he instructed Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) across all four traffic zones to implement routine checks within their respective areas, according to police sources, said a report by The Hindu.

The crackdown is already underway in various parts of the city. Gopal M. Byakod, DCP (Traffic), South, said that these checks have been ongoing for nearly three weeks. In each traffic division, at least three checkpoints have been set up, while the East Division, which includes high-footfall areas like Brigade Road and Church Street, has deployed over 10 checkpoints to handle the increased volume of nightlife activity, the report said.

ALSO READ | Bengaluru chaos: Man found sleeping on mattress amidst moving traffic, residents outraged. Video

Importantly, both inspectors and sub-inspectors are now authorized to conduct breathalyser tests. Each team must also include at least one female officer to ensure proper protocol and comfort for all motorists during checks.

ALSO READ | ‘City of potholes’: Kumaraswamy slams Karnataka govt over Bengaluru’s declining infrastructure, urges industries to stay

The city had previously scaled back weekday DD checks due to allegations of bribery and misuse of power. However, since 2023, the BTP has equipped its personnel with compact body cameras to restore public trust, the report stated. With all field officers now under real-time surveillance, the department believes the risk of corruption has been significantly minimized.

With body cameras recording every checkpoint interaction and more personnel empowered to conduct checks, the BTP aims to build transparency and accountability.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.