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What is the Challan for Drunk Driving?
Nikhila PSFeb 17, 2026
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In India, you need to pay around ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 if the police catch you driving drunk. Sometimes, the offence can lead to 2 years of imprisonment or cancellation of your Driving License (DL).
Drunk driving is a serious traffic rule violation in India, as you can hurt yourself or other public road users while driving in an alcohol-impaired state. According to The Times of India, Delhi police have issued 868 challans for drunk driving on New Year's Eve, 2026. Understanding the rules, penalties, and payment process can help you stay informed and legally compliant.
So, continue reading to know more about the drunk driving challan.
Contents
What Happens if I Get Caught for Drunk Driving?
According to Section 185 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, drinking and driving is a serious offence in India, and you may have to face these consequences:
If cops catch you drunk driving, you have to go through a complete legal process. You have to go through breath analyser tests and sobriety tests to determine your level of intoxication.
If your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is more than 0.03%, then the traffic police will issue a drunk driving challan against you.
This challan contains multiple pieces of information, such as the amount of your fine and legal consequences. The amount of your fine is decided by the number of offences, BAC level, etc.
First offence can go up to ₹10,000 with a possibility of 6 months imprisonment.
The second offence within 3 years of your first offence can go up to a ₹15,000 fine with a possibility of 2 years of imprisonment.
Repeated offences can lead to imprisonment, vehicle seizure, and DL cancellation as a drink and drive punishment.
How to Pay a Challan for Drunk Driving?
You can pay your challan both online and offline for your drunk driving offence. However, e challan payment is more convenient. The methods are:
1. Via ACKO
You can easily pay your challan for drunk driving using ACKO by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Download and Install the App
Visit the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Search for the ACKO app, download it, and allow the necessary permissions.
Step 2: Register and Log In
Sign up using your mobile number or email ID. Logging in ensures secure access to your details.
Step 3: Open the Traffic Challan Section
From the dashboard, go to the Discover section and tap on Pay Traffic Challans.
Step 4: Enter Required Details
Provide your vehicle registration number, driving licence number, or challan ID to view the drunk driving challan.
Step 5: Review and Complete Payment
Select the challan, verify the information, and proceed with the payment using the available secure options.
By clearing the challan on time, you stay compliant with traffic regulations and avoid additional consequences.
2. Via Parivahan Website
You can also use the official Parivahan website for challan payment. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open the official e-Parivahan website to pay an e-challan.
Step 2: Submit details, like your challan number, vehicle registration number, or your mobile number, to log in.
Step 3: Review your challan by checking details, like the challan amount and the drunk driving offence.
Step 4: Make payment of your challan by netbanking or UPI payment methods.
Step 5: Download the e-challan payment receipt.
3. Offline Method
If you cannot pay online for your challan, you can go to a police station to pay your drunk driving challan. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Visit your nearest police station with your challan for drunk driving.
Step 2: In the police station, go to the challan payment counter.
Step 3: Make the payment of your challan by cash or check.
Step 4: Safely keep the challan payment receipt as proof of your transaction.
What if I Do Not Pay My Challan for Drunk Driving?
If you do not pay your drunk driving challan, you may have to face many legal consequences, such as paying a higher challan, DL cancellation, and even imprisonment. Here are the legal consequences:
You may have to pay a higher challan amount.
You cannot renew your Pollution Under Control(PUC) certificate.
Traffic control authorities may cancel your DL.
The court might summon you for drunk driving.
You may not be able to renew your DL or vehicle Registration Certificate(RC).
In some cases, not paying challans is a non-bailable offence, and the police may arrest you.
The Bottom Line
A drunk driving challan is an essential part of traffic regulations. This confirms a safe transport on public roads in India. However, getting caught with a BAC level of 0.03% can lead you to legal consequences, from paying heavy challans to imprisonment for up to 2 years.
Nevertheless, you can protect yourself from drunk driving consequences by booking a cab or travelling by public transport, etc.
Along with drunk driving, if you do not carry proper car insurance, you have to pay a fine as per Indian law.
Looking for convenient car insurance? You can consider ACKO since its comprehensive car insurance plan covers accidental car damage, vehicle theft, third-party liability damage, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my car insurance company provide me with any coverage regarding a drink and drive fine?
No, your car insurance policy does not provide any coverage regarding fines or challans for drunk driving.
Does drunk driving impact my insurance renewal?
Yes. Insurers may classify you as high-risk, potentially increasing premiums or altering renewal terms.
Can I get medical coverage from my car insurance plan if I face an accident while under drunk state?
No, a car insurance plan in India generally does not provide medical coverage if you face an accident while driving under drunk state.
Does my insurer cancel my policy NCBs for drunk driving?
Yes, your car insurance policy provider can cancel your policy NCBs if you face a car accident while drunk driving, as it is a serious breach of many policy terms.
Will my insurance premium increase after a drunk driving offence?
It is highly possible. Insurers may treat it as high-risk behaviour, affecting renewals or premium calculations.
Is third-party insurance valid in drunk driving accidents?
Third-party liabilities may still apply, but insurers can recover costs from the policyholder later.
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