Drink and Drive Fine in Goa 2025: Rules, Penalties & Challan Process

We’ve catalogued the strict traffic rules in Goa before in our blogs. It is the  “vibes” capital of India and features a yearly calendar of music festivals, nightlife, culinary escapes, and natural retreated. However, with it, as we’ve discussed comes its share of traffic and road safety rule violations–and hence its share of challans, penalties, and traffic fees.

“More visitors mean more vehicles, more violations, and more accidents–especially around Calangute, Anjuna, and the narrow village roads. With the updated Goa traffic fine system, which is dictated the Motor Vehicles Act–the state’s traffic police have installed ANPR cameras on busy beach approach roads, highway junctions, and Panjim city limits.”

Yes, it’s a bit of a dark reality and drink and drive incidents in goa are an alarmingly common occurence. While the Goa Traffic Police has done its best to be patient and quell the tide; strict drink and drive fines seemingly seem to be the only way they hope to quell the tide of numerous unsavoury incidents. And the police is not shy about imposing them stringently.

So if you’re someone looking for a (responsible) escape to Goa this holiday season; this blog will keep you up-to-date with all the necessary knowledge on the fines. Take this time to learn the legal rules, BAC limits, crackdown trends, and most importantly: how to pay your fines on time online.

Driving under the influence in Goa is a punishable offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, amended in 2019. 

The legal alcohol limit for driving in India applies nationwide, including Goa: 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03% BAC)

Penalties as per Section 185:

• First offence: ₹10,000 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail

• Second offence (within 3 years): ₹15,000 fine and/or up to 2 years in jail

In 2025, the Goa Police have intensified action by filing FIRs under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) when drink-driving causes public endangerment. Penalties can also include licence suspension, vehicle confiscation, and court prosecution.

Checkpoints with breathalyzer testing are common at night near Baga, Candolim, and Old Goa — especially on weekends and during festivals.

Here’s a quick breakdown of drink and drive penalties in Goa as per 2025 norms:

Offence	Fine	Imprisonment	Additional Penalties
1st offence	₹10,000	Up to 6 months	Licence suspension, vehicle seizure
2nd offence (within 3 years)	₹15,000	Up to 2 years	Repeat offender FIR, blacklisting
FIR under BNS 125	₹2,500 (if minor harm)	Up to 3 months	Criminal record, vehicle impoundment

Key Highlights:

• Drink and drive fine in Goa is ₹10,000 for first-timers

• BAC legal limit remains 30 mg/100 ml

• Drunken driving challan applies to all vehicle types, including rental bikes

• Tourists are not exempt from Goa traffic fines

• Repeat violations invite stricter legal action
  

Any motorist in Goa whose BAC exceeds 30 mg/100 ml is legally “under the influence” under Section 185. Most commonly, breath tests are conducted at:

• Beach exit roads (Anjuna, Vagator, Colva)

• Casino ferry docks (Panjim)

• Nightlife zones (Baga, Tito’s Lane, Morjim)
  

Even if no breath test is taken, police may still detain drivers showing signs of:

• Slurred speech

• Alcohol odour

• Unsteady movement

• Rash or reckless driving
  

In some cases, refusing a breath test can result in being taken to a hospital for a mandatory medical test. Goa police may also invoke BNS charges if passengers or pedestrians are put at risk.

If you are caught drinking and driving for the first time in Goa, the following apply under Section 185:

• Fine: Up to ₹10,000

• Jail Term: Up to 6 months

• Or both, depending on severity
  

Additional penalties typically include:

• Suspension of your driver’s licence

• Impoundment of the vehicle, especially rental scooters and bikes

• Blacklist on tourist vehicle databases
  

Goa’s tourist-heavy roads mean police are especially alert — particularly around midnight to 4 AM. Even one violation can result in long-term consequences for both locals and visitors.

Repeat offenders (within 3 years of the previous offence) are dealt with more strictly:

• Fine: ₹15,000

• Jail Time: Up to 2 years

• Or both
  

Repeat offenders may also face:

• FIR under Section 125 BNS

• Permanent licence revocation

• Insurance premium hikes

• Court-mandated driving awareness programs
  

Rental agencies often refuse repeat violators, especially those flagged in tourist traffic enforcement records.

Online Payment:

1. Visit the Goa Police e-Challan portal or Parivahan e-Challan site

2. Enter vehicle number or challan ID

3. Verify challan details and click Pay Now

4. Use UPI, card, or netbanking to complete transaction

5. Save receipt as proof
   

Offline Payment:

• Visit the nearest Goa traffic police station (Panjim, Mapusa, Margao)

• Carry DL, RC, insurance, and challan

• Pay via POS machine or cash

• Get an official receipt with stamp
  

Contesting a Challan:

• Use the “Dispute” option on Parivahan or Goa Police portals

• Submit evidence (photos, location logs, etc.)

• Wait for review by traffic multimedia cell

• If rejected, escalate to Virtual Court or appear before a local Traffic Magistrate
  

1. Mass Crackdown on Tourist DUI Cases

In Jan–March 2025, Goa Traffic Police booked 2,146 cases of drink and drive. Most were on rental scooters. Enforcement units were active in:

• Baga, Arambol, and Vagator (North Goa)

• Colva and Palolem (South Goa)
  

2. Festival & Weekend Patrol Drives

During New Year’s and Carnival, over 300 tourists were booked in a single week for DUI. Goan authorities collected ₹1.2 crore in total traffic fines in Feb alone.

3. Casino Ferry Enforcement

Drinking near Panjim jetty zones is now strictly monitored. Vehicles coming from casinos undergo mandatory testing between 12 AM – 3 AM.

4. Mandatory Breath Testing for Rental Pickups

Agencies must now ensure drivers pass alcohol screening before handing over rental bikes or cars — a Goa Tourism directive issued in April 2025.

• Appoint a sober companion or hire a cab
• BAC must stay below 30 mg/100 ml
• Always carry valid ID, DL, and insurance papers
• Avoid driving on narrow internal roads at night
• Save Goa Traffic Helpline: 0832-242-1111
• Never refuse a breathalyzer test
• Contest incorrect challans within 60 days
• Monitor challans via Goa Police portal or Parivahan
• Rental riders must follow strict rules — no excuses
• Don’t let vacation become a court case
  

1. What’s the drink and drive fine in Goa for a first offence?
   ₹10,000 fine and/or 6 months jail. Licence may also be suspended.
2. What’s the alcohol limit for driving in Goa?
   The nationwide limit applies: 30 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.03%).
3. Is imprisonment mandatory for drunk driving?
   No — the law states “fine and/or imprisonment.” But severe cases often lead to both.
4. Can tourists also be fined in Goa?
   Absolutely. Drink and drive rules apply to everyone — including foreigners and rental users.
5. Can I pay the drunk driving challan online in Goa?
   Yes. Use the Goa Police portal or Parivahan website to pay online.
6. Can I contest a drink and drive challan online?
   Yes. Submit evidence on the portal or appear in Virtual Court. For serious cases, consult legal counsel.
7. Do two-wheeler riders get fined separately?
   A. No — the drink and drive fine for two-wheelers in Goa is the same: ₹10,000 for first offence.
8. What’s the legal drinking age in Goa?
   18 years — but legal drinking age has no bearing on driving rules. BAC limit is zero tolerance for drivers.

• Don’t drive after even one drink, especially on coastal roads

• Use local transport — taxis, pilots (bike taxis), or shuttles

• Never accept keys from someone intoxicated

• Rent responsibly — agencies track repeat offenders

• Save digital receipts of payments and rentals

• Keep an eye on Goa Police’s social media for active enforcement zones

• Always ask: “Is it worth the risk?”
  

Goa’s beauty is best enjoyed responsibly. Drink and drive laws in Goa are no longer lax — the police are strict, courts are responsive, and the consequences are serious.

The right choice is always the safest choice. Whatever you do, make sure you always make that for yourself. For more on road safety and traffic regulations, keep following Ecozaar.