Drink and Drive Fine in Kerala 2026: Rules, Penalties & Challan Process

A state known for its scenic drives, vibrant tourism, and spirited celebrations—Kerala is no stranger to road safety enforcement. As we’ve noted in our blogs previously.

“Last year, Kerala motorists paid over ₹300 crore in traffic fines last year alone. And that is almost certainly not a small amount. 

The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act is highly influential in transforming how the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) handles enforcement, and the results can be seen in the city’s strong traffic and road rules regulation structure. While on paper (and in television commercials) it looks good to buzz around in Kochi streets and scenic Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Munnar locales, make no mistake: You need to follow the rules.”

From Kochi’s pub lanes to the hill station roads of Munnar and Wayanad, authorities are seeing a steady rise in drunk driving cases. Despite repeated warnings, roadside breathalyser checks, and awareness campaigns, many motorists continue to ignore the risks. This has prompted the Kerala Traffic Police to tighten their grip under the framework of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act.

The penalty for drunk driving in Kerala isn’t just a warning—it’s a heavy drink and drive fine in Kerala, often followed by a challan, possible imprisonment, and even license cancellation for repeat offenders.

In a state with such high vehicle density and a booming tourism sector, compliance with alcohol limit for driving in Kerala is no longer optional—it’s critical. Officers are now equipped with digital devices, real-time e-challan systems, and mobile enforcement vans to act on the spot.

This blog covers everything you need to know—from the legal alcohol limit in Kerala, to the latest drunk driving fine (2025), the way Kerala traffic police challans are issued, what happens if you refuse a breath test, and smart tips to avoid getting into trouble in the first place.

In Kerala, drunk driving is strictly prohibited under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (2019 Amendment). 

The legal limit of alcohol while driving is:30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03% BAC)

Penalties under Section 185:

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

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

Kerala police may also charge violators under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for dangerous driving, especially if it causes public harm or risk. This can lead to licence suspension, vehicle seizure, and criminal prosecution.

Breathalyser tests are commonly used in areas like:

• MG Road, Kakkanad, and Marine Drive (Kochi)

• Technopark Zone (Trivandrum)

• Beach Road (Kozhikode)
  

Refusal to cooperate may result in immediate arrest and a medical blood test at the nearest government hospital.

Offence	Fine	Imprisonment	Additional Penalties
1st offence	₹10,000	Up to 6 months	Licence suspension, vehicle impoundment
2nd offence	₹15,000	Up to 2 years	Repeat FIR, longer suspension
BNS (Section 125)	₹2,500 (if minor harm caused)	Up to 3 months	Criminal record, court summons

Highlights:

• Drink and drive fine in Kerala begins at ₹10,000

• BAC limit is fixed at 30 mg/100 ml

• Repeat offences carry higher penalties and FIRs

• Two-wheeler and car drivers face the same punishment
  

You are considered legally drunk if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml of blood.

Kerala Police routinely check drivers late at night, especially on:

• City flyovers and junctions

• NH66 and NH544 stretches

• Popular nightlife spots in Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur
  

You can also be booked without a breathalyzer test if you’re visibly intoxicated — e.g., slurring, smelling of alcohol, or displaying erratic driving behaviour.

Refusal to take a breath test gives police the right to detain you and get a medical examination done.

If caught driving under the influence for the first time, the following punishment applies:

• Fine: ₹10,000

• Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
  

Additionally:

• Driving licence may be suspended for 3–6 months

• Vehicle can be impounded, especially rental bikes/cars

• Insurers may penalize or deny future claims
  

Kochi Traffic Police have also begun forwarding violators’ names to RTOs and insurance companies for flagging repeat risks.

A second or subsequent offence within 3 years of the first one will incur:

• Fine: ₹15,000

• Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
  

Further consequences:

• Permanent licence cancellation in serious cases

• FIR under BNS 125, if the offence led to public harm

• Court summons and possible vehicle auction for seized vehicles
  

Repeat offenders are monitored closely in Calicut, Kollam, and Ernakulam, where digital tracking and FIR databases are regularly updated.

Online Payment Process:

1. Go to Parivahan e-Challan Portal or the Kerala Motor Vehicles Department site

2. Enter your vehicle number or challan number

3. View the offence details

4. Pay using card, net banking, or UPI

5. Download the e-receipt for proof
   

Offline Payment Option:

• Visit your local Traffic Police Station (e.g., Thevara, Kazhakootam, Mananchira)

• Submit your DL, RC, insurance copy, and challan

• Pay in cash or card via POS machine

• Collect a stamped receipt
  

How to Contest Your Challan:

• On the e-Challan portal, use the “Raise Objection” or “Challenge in Court” option

• Upload clear evidence: dashcam footage, timestamps, receipts, or medical records

1. Tech Park Checkpoints

Thiruvananthapuram’s Technopark and Infopark Kochi now have permanent late-night patrols at all exit roads. Over 300 DUI challans were issued during February 2025 alone.

2. Festival Drives

During Onam, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, state-wide crackdowns in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Palakkad saw 1,200+ drink-driving cases booked.

3. College Campus Patrols

Frequent checks near CUSAT, Kerala University, and NIT Calicut are now routine, especially on Thursdays through Sundays.

4. Public Transport Monitoring

KSRTC and private bus drivers must now pass daily pre-shift breathalyser tests, especially for interstate and late-night buses.

• Use Uber, Rapido, or a designated driver after social events
• BAC must be under 30 mg/100 ml of blood
• Carry updated DL, RC, and insurance papers
• Avoid high-traffic roads post 10 PM — especially in Kochi, TVM, and Calicut
• Don’t carry open alcohol bottles in vehicle
• Request medical re-testing if falsely accused
• Contest within 60 days of challan issuance
• Don’t carry open alcohol bottles in vehicle
• Keep digital receipts of payments and rentals
• Encourage responsible driving among peers
  

1. What’s the drink and drive fine in Kerala for a first offence?
   ₹10,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail, along with possible licence suspension and vehicle impoundment.
2. What’s the legal alcohol limit for driving in Kerala?
   30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03% BAC).
3. Can I be jailed even for the first offence?
   Yes. The law allows jail time up to 6 months even on first violation.
4. What happens if I’m caught a second time?
   ₹15,000 fine, jail up to 2 years, and an FIR under BNS if public safety is threatened.
5. Can I pay my drunken driving challan online in Kerala?
   Yes. Use the Parivahan portal or the Kerala MVD site.
6. Can I contest a wrongful challan?
   Yes. File an objection with evidence within 60 days on the challan portal or visit Virtual Court Kerala.
7. What documents are required for offline payment?
   DL, RC, insurance certificate, and the physical or digital challan.
8. What’s the legal drinking age in Kerala?
   It is 23 years in Kerala — the highest in India. But regardless of age, no one may drive above BAC limit.

• Book a cab after parties — don’t risk driving even short distances

• Keep an eye on local police alerts about DUI checkpoints

• Don’t mix medications with alcohol if you plan to drive

• Refuse the wheel if you feel even slightly unfit

• Encourage others not to drink and drive

• Use apps like Kudumbashree Ride, Uber, or auto services after 10 PM

• Always store emergency numbers and digital copies of your documents

Kerala is known for its high literacy, civic awareness, and progressive policing. But the rise in drink and drive cases calls for stronger personal responsibility.

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.