Drinking And Driving In India: How Much Beer Is Too Much?

Drinking and driving is never a good idea. In India, the legal drinking age varies from 18 to 25 years old, depending on the state, and drunk driving is a criminal offence. In this article, we will discuss how much beer you can drink and still legally drive, as well as the penalties for drunk driving in India.

Legal drinking limit in India

The legal drinking limit in India is set at 0.03% blood alcohol content (BAC) per 100ml of blood. This equates to 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

To give you a better idea of how much you can drink, an average male weighing 65kg can stay within the legal limit if he consumes two pints of beer (660ml), one large peg of whisky (60ml), or two glasses of wine (200ml).

However, it is important to note that alcohol affects everyone differently, depending on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tiredness. Therefore, it is always best to avoid driving if you have been drinking and consider alternative options such as public transportation or ride-sharing services.

In India, driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence. Those found violating the drunk driving limit may face imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to 2,000 rupees for the first offence. A second or subsequent offence within three years may result in imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to 3,000 rupees.

The laws and penalties for drunk driving in India are in place to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. It is important to be a responsible driver and not put yourself and others at risk by drinking and driving.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

In India, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is set at 0.03%, which is equivalent to 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. This limit is measured through breath, blood, urine, or saliva tests, with breath tests being the most common method employed by traffic police.

The BAC limit for drinking and driving in India is lower than in some other countries, such as the US and UK, where the limit is set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. It is important to note that any amount of alcohol can impair driving ability and judgement, and it is generally advised to avoid driving after consuming alcohol.

The amount of alcohol an individual can consume before reaching the BAC limit varies depending on body weight and other factors. As a reference, an average male weighing 65kg can typically stay within the legal limit by consuming up to two pints of beer (660ml), one large peg of whiskey (60ml), or two glasses of wine (200ml). However, it is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific limit can vary from person to person.

To ensure safety, it is recommended to wait for at least 90 minutes after consuming a pint of beer and at least three hours after consuming a large whiskey or two glasses of wine before driving. Additionally, individuals should be aware of the legal drinking age in their respective states, as it varies across India, ranging from 18 to 25 years old.

Drunk driving is a serious offence in India, and those found violating the BAC limit can face penalties under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The consequences for driving under the influence include imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to two thousand rupees for the first offence. Subsequent offences committed within three years can result in increased penalties, including imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to three thousand rupees.

Penalties for drunk driving

Drunk driving is a criminal offence in India under the Motor Vehicle Act, and the penalties for drunk driving are strict. The legal drinking age in India varies from 18 to 25 years, and the blood alcohol limit for driving is 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. Anyone exceeding this limit is deemed to be driving under the influence and will face legal consequences.

First Offence

For a first offence, the driver may face imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to two thousand rupees. This fine has been increased from Rs.2000 to Rs.10,000 under the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill 2016.

Second or Subsequent Offence

If a similar offence is committed within three years, the driver may face imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine of up to three thousand rupees. For a second offence, the fine has been increased to Rs.15,000. Repeat offenders may also face penalties regarding their driving license.

Impact on Motor Insurance

A drunk driving offence can significantly impact a person's motor insurance. The individual may have to pay much higher premiums due to the increased risk perceived by the insurance company. In some cases, insurers may even cancel the policy, forcing the individual to find another insurer dealing with high-risk clients and demanding exorbitant fees.

Process after Being Caught Drunk Driving

If a driver is suspected of drunk driving, the traffic police will ask them to take a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test using a breathalyzer. If the BAC exceeds the permitted limit of 30mg per 100ml of blood, the driver will be held guilty of driving under the influence. The police are authorised to detain the vehicle, and the driver will be issued a challan for the fine.

Avoiding drunk driving

Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination that can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and legal consequences. Here are some tips to help you avoid drunk driving:

Plan Ahead

Before going out, decide on a designated driver from your group of friends. This person should abstain from drinking alcohol and ensure that everyone gets home safely. If no one is willing or able to be the designated driver, consider using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, or simply call a taxi. Having a plan in place will help you make better decisions when alcohol is involved.

Know Your Limits and Pace Yourself

Understand how alcohol affects your body and metabolism. Generally, most people can metabolize about one drink per hour (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or one shot of liquor). However, this varies depending on body weight, gender, diet, and tolerance. To stay within safe limits, limit yourself to no more than one alcoholic drink per hour and follow each drink with a full pint of water. Additionally, avoid drinking games, as they can lead to excessive consumption.

Eat Before and During Drinking

Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach can cause a rapid spike in blood alcohol levels. Eating a hearty meal before drinking, especially protein-rich foods like meat and cheese, can slow down alcohol absorption. Drinking water before, during, and after consuming alcohol can also help slow the absorption rate. Avoid carbonated drinks, as they can increase the speed of alcohol absorption.

Use Public Transportation or Stay Overnight

If you're out at a bar or a location without your car, consider taking public transportation home. It's a safe and often free or low-cost option. Alternatively, if you're at a friend's place, ask if you can crash on their couch or floor for the night. This way, you avoid the risk of driving while intoxicated.

Wait Sufficient Time Before Driving

Time is the only reliable way to sober up. Avoid quick fixes like coffee or chugging water, as they don't effectively reduce blood alcohol levels. On average, it takes about an hour for your body to process one drink. So, if you've had several drinks, wait for a few hours before getting behind the wheel. Help with post-party clean-up, watch a movie, take a walk, or get something to eat while you wait.

Stop Drinking Well Before You Plan to Leave

Designate a time to stop drinking that is hours before you need to leave. For example, if you plan to leave at midnight, stop drinking by 10:30 pm. This way, you won't have to wait too long for your buzz to wear off before heading home.

Take the Night Off from Drinking

Consider being the designated driver for the night and stick to a no-drinking plan. Taking turns as the designated driver with your friends ensures that you can drink responsibly on most occasions while also having a safe ride home.

Call a Cab or a Friend

If you have the means, calling a cab or using a ride-sharing service is a convenient and safe option. You can sleep in your own bed without the risk of a DUI. If you do choose to drink, make sure you have the contact information for local taxi or ride-sharing services readily available.

Remember, drinking and driving is not only illegal but also irresponsible. The effects of alcohol can impair your cognitive abilities, coordination, and reaction time, making you a danger to yourself and others on the road. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.

Alcohol testing

Testing Methods:

• Breath Test: This is the most common method used by traffic police in India. They employ a device called a breathalyser to estimate an individual's blood alcohol level. The breathalyser measures the molecular content of alcohol in the breath from the lungs and converts it into an approximate blood alcohol level. While not as accurate as blood tests, breathalysers generally provide a reasonably close estimate.
• Blood Test: Blood tests are considered the most accurate and reliable method to determine Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). They directly measure the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. Blood tests are typically used as a secondary option if an individual refuses to take a breathalyser test or is arrested on suspicion of drunkenness.
• Urine and Saliva Tests: These tests are not as commonly used as breath and blood tests but can also detect the presence and amount of alcohol in the body.

BAC Limits and Penalties:

• The legal BAC limit for driving in India is set at 0.03%, which equates to 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. This limit is one of the lowest in the world.
• If a breathalyser test indicates a BAC above the legal limit, it is considered a criminal offence, and the person is deemed guilty of drunk driving.
• The penalties for drunk driving in India can include imprisonment and/or fines. For a first offence, the punishment can be up to six months of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to two thousand rupees.
• For a second or subsequent offence committed within three years of the previous one, the punishment can be up to two years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to three thousand rupees.
• It is important to note that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving ability and judgement. The safest option is to refrain from driving if you have consumed any alcohol.

Frequently asked questions