Chennai Drink and Drive Fine: Rules, Penalties & Payment

Chennai’s nightlife is evolving fast, with rooftop lounges, breweries, and beach-facing bars drawing larger crowds each weekend. From the IT corridors of OMR to the happening spots in Besant Nagar and Nungambakkam, the city buzzes after sundown.

But with this rise in night-time revelry, drink-and-drive incidents have sharply increased.

Chennai, often called the cultural capital of South India, is now grappling with the consequences of alcohol-impaired driving. Despite awareness campaigns and patrols, many still risk driving under the influence. This alarming trend threatens lives and calls into question the effectiveness of enforcement and public understanding of safe behaviour behind the wheel.

In Chennai, driving under the influence is prohibited under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (amended in 2019). The permissible Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 30 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.03%).

• First offence: Fine up to ₹10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months
• Second offence (within 3 years): Fine increases to ₹15,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years

Chennai police also invoke Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for serious DUI cases, leading to FIRs, licence suspensions, and vehicle seizure. Breathalyzer checks are common, especially during weekends and festivals.

The strong enforcement strategy highlights Chennai’s zero-tolerance policy for intoxicated driving.

Here’s a concise look at Chennai’s 2025 penalties for drink-driving under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act:

Offence	Fine	Imprisonment	Additional Penalties
1st offence	₹10,000	Up to 6 months	Licence suspension, vehicle seizure
2nd & subsequent (within 3 years)	₹15,000	Up to 2 years	Same as above
BNS FIR (endangering life)	₹2,500 (minor harm)	Up to 3 months	Licence & vehicle may be seized

Key Reminders:

• Legal BAC limit is 30 mg alcohol/100 ml blood
• Police regularly conduct breath tests across city zones
• Repeated violations result in harsher punishments
• BNS charges add legal weight where public danger is involved
• Vehicle impoundment and licence suspensions apply to most cases
  

The law in Chennai is clear: drink and drive, and face strict consequences.

In Chennai, you can be charged with drink-and-drive if your BAC exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml of blood—the legal limit per Section 185 of the MV Act.

This is usually detected with a breathalyzer at random checkpoints or traffic stops. If a person refuses the test or displays visible signs like slurred speech, unsteady movement, or alcohol smell, police may detain them and carry out a medical evaluation.

From 2024, Chennai police started filing FIRs under Section 125 of the BNS if the act poses a public threat. Even without accidents, offenders may face arrest, licence cancellation, and vehicle seizure. Repeat offenders and those causing harm face longer jail terms.

A first-time drink-and-drive offence in Chennai under Section 185 of the MV Act (2019 amendment) includes:

• Fine: Up to ₹10,000
• Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
• Or both, depending on severity
  

Other immediate impacts include:

• Suspension of driver’s licence
• Vehicle impoundment
• Insurance premium hikes or potential cancellation
  

Chennai Traffic Police also conduct night patrols and breathalyzer drives and can arrest without a warrant under Section 202 of the MVA if intoxication is confirmed.

Repeat drink-driving offences in Chennai invoke:

• Fine: ₹15,000
• Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
• Or both
  

Additional actions:

• Suspension of licence
• Vehicle confiscation
• FIRs under Section 125 of BNS for public endangerment
• Repeat violators may face insurance denials or increased scrutiny
  

Chennai’s traffic division has increased late-night vigilance and FIR filings to curb reoffending.

1. Go to the Chennai Traffic Police e-Challan website or Parivahan portal
2. Enter your vehicle number or challan details and click “Pay Now”
3. Choose payment method: card, net banking, UPI, or wallet
4. Download and save your receipt
   

Visit your local traffic police station with the challan and documents. Pay via POS machine or cash and get a printed receipt.

Challan Contestation

1. On the portal, click “Challenge in Court” or “Raise Objection”
2. Upload proof like dashcam footage, route logs, or timestamps within 60 days
3. Submissions go to the Traffic Adjudication Cell; most unclear cases are dismissed
4. If denied, attend the Traffic Court (or Virtual Court) under Sections 200–206 MVA
   

Legal help may be necessary for repeat or serious charges. Chennai also conducts Lok Adalats that allow for dispute resolution or fine reduction.

1. FIRs Under BNS & Seizures

Since April 2025, FIRs under BNS Section 125 are now regularly filed for DUI. These carry criminal implications, including 3-month jail terms, licence impoundment, and vehicle confiscation. Over 2,000 motorists were penalised in Q1 2025—a 58% rise year-on-year.

2. Enhanced Roadblocks & Festival Raids

During Holi (March 13–14), 196 DUI cases were recorded, collecting ₹2 crore in penalties—especially in areas like T. Nagar and ECR.

3. Public Disclosure

Chennai Police now display names of DUI violators on digital screens at junctions and post alerts via their X (formerly Twitter) handle.

4. Daily Screening of Public Drivers

MTC drivers undergo daily alcohol tests before and after shifts—following a major mishap near Tambaram in early 2025.

These actions show a significant policy shift—more aggressive checks, tech transparency, and preventive steps to reduce drunk driving.

Downloadable Checklist

• Choose a designated driver or pre-book a cab
• Keep BAC below 30 mg/100 ml
• Always carry ID and DL
• Avoid solo late-night drives
• Cooperate at DUI checkpoints
• Don’t drive if mildly unwell or tired
• Save Chennai Traffic Helpline: 044-23452345
• Ask for blood test if wrongly accused
• Track challans on Parivahan or Chennai Police portal
• File disputes online within 60 days
  

1. What is the Legal BAC limit in Chennai?

30 mg/100 ml of blood—standard as per Section 185, MV Act.

2. What is the first-time penalty in Chennai?

Up to ₹10,000 and/or 6 months’ jail. Licence and vehicle may be seized.

3. What is the fine for repeat offence and requisite jail time?

Up to ₹15,000 and/or 2 years. Add FIR risk, vehicle impounding, and policy issues.

4. Is a jail sentence mandatory?

No. Jail time and fines are often alternatives unless harm is caused.

5. How to pay online in Chennai?

Use the Chennai Traffic Police or Parivahan site, enter details, pay via UPI, card, or netbanking.

6. Can I contest a challan online?

Initial objections can be filed online; serious cases require court.

7. Offline payment documents?

Carry DL, RC, insurance, and challan copy. Pay by cash/card at station.

8. Payment update time?

Online: 2–3 days. Offline: 7–10 days. Keep receipt as proof.

• First offence: ₹10,000 or 6 months’ jail
• Repeat offence: ₹15,000 or 2 years’ jail
• BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml
• Online/offline payment options
• Dispute window: 60 days
  

Tips to Avoid Drink and Drive Penalties in Chennai

Always pre-plan—have a sober driver or use Uber/Ola. Don’t drive even if you feel “okay.” Chennai Police run random tests late at night. Keep vehicle papers ready, save helpline number, and know your rights. If wrongly charged, stay calm and ask for a blood test. Avoid driving post-midnight alone—roadblocks increase in city outskirts. Regularly check for challans online. Spread awareness—help friends avoid drink-driving. Prevention saves lives and money.

Conclusion

Chennai enforces drink-and-drive laws strictly to protect lives. With steep fines, possible imprisonment, and licence suspensions, the risks are high. Smart choices—like hailing a cab or staying in—can make all the difference. Stay informed, plan ahead, and help make Chennai’s roads safer for everyone.

For more on road and traffic regulations, keep on following Ecozaar.