Kolkata Drink and Drive Fine: Rules, Penalties & Payment

Kolkata’s nightlife? It comes alive after dark.

No, we don’t mean it is a living, breathing version of From Dusk Till Dawn or The Lost Boys (no vampires here). What we mean is that it is dynamic, vibrant, and hectic, and has more iconic pubs, rooftop lounges, restaurants, and tourist hotspots than you can shake a stick at. Live music, vibrant cruising, late-night parties–it’s got a bit of everything.

But with that sort of vibe, also comes the flipside of things (as you probably know): a noticeable increase in drink-and-drive incidents. Yes, there is simply no shortage of that, with news as recent as 2025 detailing just how hard the police is cracking down on all of that.

However, there is another factor that adds to the complexity: the rise in personal vehicle usage at night. More so, as ride-hailing costs have surged in the city–and public transport options have become sparser after certain hours. With less traffic on the roads, many assume they can get away with risky behaviour. However, this false sense of security often results in reckless driving, leading to avoidable crashes and long-term legal consequences. 

In a city known for its cultural vibrancy and street-smart residents, this trend poses serious risks, not just to drivers, but to others on the road. Kolkata Traffic Police have tightened enforcement, but challenges remain around awareness, enforcement consistency, and individual accountability.

Addressing drink-and-drive in Kolkata requires more than checkpoints—it needs a cultural shift in how we view responsibility behind the wheel, especially after dark.

Drink-driving in Kolkata is a punishable offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (amended in 2019). The legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03%).

• First offence: ₹10,000 fine and/or up to 6 months of imprisonment
• Repeat offence (within 3 years): ₹15,000 fine and/or up to 2 years in jail

Additionally, police may file FIRs under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for endangering public safety. In such cases, motorists may face licence suspension, arrest, and vehicle confiscation.

Kolkata Police frequently set up alcohol checkpoints, especially on weekends and holidays, using breathalysers to detect offenders.

Offence Type	Fine	Imprisonment	Additional Penalties
1st offence	₹10,000	Up to 6 months	Licence suspension, vehicle seizure
2nd offence or more	₹15,000	Up to 2 years	Permanent licence cancellation (in some cases)
FIR under BNS (if harm)	₹2,500	Up to 3 months	Possible vehicle confiscation, police custody

Important Reminders:

• BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml of blood
• Police regularly conduct breath tests
• FIRs under BNS apply if intoxicated driving causes harm
• Penalties escalate for repeat violations

In Kolkata, a motorist is charged under Section 185 if a breathalyser test reveals a BAC over 30 mg/100 ml.

If the driver refuses testing, is visibly intoxicated (e.g., slurred speech or poor coordination), or is involved in an accident, the police may detain them and conduct a medical examination.

From 2024 onwards, Section 125 of the BNS has been invoked more frequently for cases involving public danger—even without a crash. Offenders face immediate legal consequences such as arrest, licence suspension, fines, or seizure of the vehicle.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act:

• Fine: Up to ₹10,000
• Imprisonment: Up to 6 months
• Both may apply in some cases

Additional actions include:

• Temporary suspension of driver’s licence
• Vehicle seizure or towing
• Possible insurance consequences due to criminal record

Kolkata Traffic Police also have powers under Section 202 MVA to arrest without a warrant if the motorist appears intoxicated.

For repeat offences within 3 years:

• Fine: ₹15,000
• Jail time: Up to 2 years

Additional consequences:

• BNS FIR registration (if public risk involved)
• Licence suspension & vehicle impoundment
• Stricter insurance terms, claim rejections

Kolkata Police have increased checkpoints, especially during festivals and weekends, to reduce repeat violations.

Online Payment Process for Drink and Drive in Kolkata

• Visit the Kolkata Traffic Police e‑Challan or Parivahan website
• Enter your vehicle/challan number
• Select payment method (UPI, Netbanking, card)
• Download the digital receipt

Offline Settlement for Drink and Drive in Kolkata

• Visit a nearby traffic police station with your documents (DL, RC, challan)
• Make payment via cash or card and collect the receipt

Contest a Challan

• Go to the portal and select “Challenge in Court” or “Raise Objection”
• Upload evidence (dashcam footage, GPS logs, etc.) within 60 days
• If not resolved online, you may be summoned to Bankshall Court or attend via Virtual Court

1. FIRs and Seizures Using BNS

Kolkata Police began filing FIRs under Section 125 BNS in early 2025. Between January–March, over 1,700 cases were registered, with increased vehicle seizures.

2. Weekend Checkpoints & Festival Raids

During Holi 2025, police recorded 148 drink-driving cases in 48 hours. Additional checkpoints were placed at EM Bypass, Park Circus, and near Sector V.

3. Public Awareness Drives

Names and plate numbers of offenders are occasionally displayed on digital billboards and shared via Kolkata Traffic Police’s official social channels.

4. Transport Staff Testing

WBSTC and private fleet operators now conduct random breath tests on bus and taxi drivers following multiple safety complaints.

Downloadable Checklist (for Drivers)

• Plan your ride home (cab/designated driver)
• Know the legal BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml
• Always carry your DL & ID
• Avoid solo driving late at night
• Cooperate with breath tests
• Refuse to drive if feeling unwell
• Save Kolkata Traffic Helpline: 9830010000
• Ask for medical test if wrongly accused
• Check & save your challans online
• Contest within 60 days if wrongly fined

What’s the BAC limit in Kolkata?

30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03%)—same across India under Section 185.

What is the penalty for first-time offence?

₹10,000 fine and/or 6 months’ jail; licence may be suspended, vehicle may be seized.

What is the repeat offence penalty?

₹15,000 fine and/or 2 years in jail; BNS FIR may apply.

Is jail time mandatory?

No—fines or imprisonment may be imposed at the discretion of the court.

How can I pay my challan online?

Use the Parivahan Portal or Kolkata Police website.

Can I contest the challan online?

Yes, you can upload evidence and raise objections online, though serious offences may require physical court appearance.

What do I need for offline payment?

DL, RC, insurance papers, and physical copy of challan.

When does the challan clear after payment?

Online: 2–3 days; offline: up to 7–10 days. Keep your receipt.

Key Takeaways

• First offence fine: ₹10,000 / 6 months jail
• Repeat offence fine: ₹15,000 / 2 years jail
• BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml
• How to pay or contest your challan
• Download PDF checklist

Tips to Avoid Drink and Drive Penalties in Kolkata

• Use cabs (Uber, Ola) or assign a sober driver
• Never drive after drinking, even a little
• Park responsibly and keep documents ready
• Save the traffic helpline: 9830010000
• If falsely accused, request a blood test and remain calm
• Avoid driving after midnight—checkpoints increase
• Monitor your challans regularly online
• Encourage friends not to drink and drive—awareness saves lives

Conclusion

Kolkata’s strict stance on drink-and-drive reflects the city’s growing focus on road safety. With stiff penalties, court cases, and even jail time, the risk is too great. Make responsible choices—take a cab, plan ahead, and never drink and drive. You’ll save not just money, but lives. 

For more information on road safety and traffic rules, keep on following Ecozaar.