In 11 months, 1,378 lose licence for drunk driving

Last October, the Delhi Traffic Police had given an ultimatum to the Delhiites to drive sober or not at all. And just after 11 months, a whopping 1,378 people have lost their driving licences for six months. Subhendu Ray

Last October, the Delhi Traffic Police had given an ultimatum to the Delhiites to drive sober or not at all. And just after 11 months, a whopping 1,378 people have lost their driving licences for six months.

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As a part of the Delhi government's zero-tolerance policy on drunken driving, the Delhi Traffic Police, transport department and the high court have joined hands to curb the menace of drunken driving, which claim 1,500 lives every year on Delhi roads.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, those caught driving under the influence of alcohol have to either pay a fine of Rs 2,000 or face six months' imprisonment, or both. A second-time offender, caught drunk behind the wheel within the next three years, would either face three years in prison or a fine of Rs 3,000, or both.

"Gone are the days when one could get away with paying just R2,000 as challan for drunk driving. Drunken driving will now result in confiscation of the driving licence at least for six months. If the offence is repeated, the accused will lose his driving right for good," said Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic).