Pune Drink and Drive Fine: Rules, Penalties & Payment

Pune, well safe in its reputation as a cosmopolitan hub in India, has experienced a rise in demographic influx, with loads of people coming in yearly to chase professional and personal dreams. The heavy buzz of population is significantly visible, especially in areas like Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, and Baner. Throughout the night, there are vibrant pubs, lounges, and eateries buzzing till late. The city has become a hotspot for young professionals and students.

But with all that growth, traffic, and influx comes, inevitably, the rise in drink-and-drive cases and traffic violations.

Despite regular efforts and awareness campaigns by the Pune Traffic Police, many are still brazenly caught driving under the influence, endangering themselves and others as well. As is visible in the 2025 figures, where traffic violation penalties surged five times their usual rate. Hence, as in other prominent cities and states, the Pune traffic police has decided to crack down harder than ever.

In Pune, as in the rest of Maharashtra, drunk driving is a criminal offence under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act (amended 2019). The permissible Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 30 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.03%).

• First offence: ₹10,000 fine or imprisonment up to 6 months
• Repeat offence: ₹15,000 fine or imprisonment up to 2 years

Depending on the severity of the incident, police may also file an FIR under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with endangering public safety. Consequences can include licence suspension, vehicle seizure, or both.

In Pune, drink-and-drive checkpoints are common near nightlife hubs and during festivals or weekends. Authorities use breathalyzers and medical testing where required.

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 Notes:

• Legal BAC limit remains 30 mg/100 ml of blood
• Breath testing is common in Koregaon Park, JM Road, and FC Road areas
• Repeat offences invoke stronger penalties
• BNS provisions apply if safety of others is compromised

Pune Traffic Police have adopted a firm stance to reduce accidents due to intoxicated driving, ensuring safer roads across the city.

Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, you’re legally over the limit if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds 30 mg per 100 ml of blood.

If you’re caught in a random check or show signs like slurred speech, unsteady walking, or red eyes, and you refuse the breathalyzer, the traffic police can take you for a mandatory medical blood test.

And it gets worse.

If you’re found endangering others — whether or not an accident occurred — the police may file a BNS FIR, seize your vehicle, or even suspend your licence on the spot. A repeat offence? That brings even more trouble.

Repeat Offenders:

• Can face jail time
• May permanently lose their driving licence
• Could be charged with criminal endangerment

Bottom line? Just don’t do it. Call a cab, take an auto, or phone a friend — it’s cheaper than a challan, and safer for everyone.

For a first-time drunk driving offence in Pune:

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

Other consequences include:

• Driver’s licence suspension for a defined period
• Vehicle seizure until legal formalities are completed
• Increased insurance premiums or cancellation

Pune Police are authorized to arrest without a warrant under Section 202 of the MV Act for DUI cases. Even a single incident can significantly impact your driving record and legal standing.

Penalties for Repeat Offence in Pune

Repeat offences within 3 years of the first conviction invite:

• Fine: ₹15,000
• Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
• Or both, depending on court judgment

Additional penalties:

• FIR under Section 125 BNS for endangering public safety
• Permanent cancellation of licence for repeated violations
• Vehicle impoundment for extended periods
• Long-term difficulties with vehicle insurance and loans

Pune Traffic Police have launched special enforcement drives in areas like Hinjewadi, Hadapsar, and Deccan to identify repeat offenders using surveillance and real-time traffic monitoring tools.

How to Pay or Contest Your Pune Drink and Drive Challan 

Here’s how you can pay or contest your drink-and-drive challan in Pune in a few clear steps:

Pune Drink and Drive: Online Payment Process

• Visit the Maharashtra Traffic Police eChallan portal or Parivahan Sewa.
• Enter your vehicle number or challan ID.
• Choose a payment method—UPI, net banking, or card.
• Download and save your payment receipt for future reference.

Pune Drink and Drive: Offline Settlement

You may also visit the nearest Pune Traffic Division office with:

• Physical copy of your challan
• Valid ID, driving licence, and vehicle documents
• Payment options: cash, card, or UPI

Pune Drink and Drive: Challan Contestation

• Go to the online portal and select “Raise Objection” or “Dispute in Court”
• Submit supporting documents—CCTV footage, hospital records, GPS location proof, etc.
• File your objection within 60 days of challan issuance

In serious cases, it’s advisable to consult a traffic lawyer or appear at the Virtual Court or Pune District Lok Adalat for resolution.

1. FIRs Under BNS for DUI

Pune Police have begun registering FIRs under Section 125 BNS, especially in accident-prone zones. Even without a collision, severe DUI cases can lead to arrest and vehicle impoundment.

2. Festival & Weekend Crackdowns

Special drives during Ganesh Chaturthi, New Year’s Eve, and college fests have led to thousands of challans issued and crores collected in fines.

3. Real-Time Data Sharing

Offender details and repeat violators are now posted publicly on the Pune Police’s X (Twitter) handle. Screens at major junctions display live updates for awareness.

4. Testing of Commercial Drivers

Mandatory breath tests are now conducted daily for PMPML bus drivers, school van operators, and app-based cab drivers, especially before duty hours.

Downloadable Checklist

• Plan transport: cab, auto, or assign a sober driver
• Stay within BAC limit (30 mg/100 ml)
• Carry valid DL, insurance papers, RC
• Avoid late-night solo drives—checkpoints active post 10 PM
• Cooperate with breathalyzer tests
• Don’t drive if dizzy, drowsy, or even mildly impaired
• Save helpline: Pune Traffic Police – 103 / 020-2612 2000
• Ask for a medical test if wrongly accused
• Track challans on Parivahan or Maharashtra eChallan portal
• Contest within 60 days if wrongly charged

FAQs

1. What is the legal alcohol limit?

30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.03%)

2. What is the penalty for first-time offenders?

₹10,000 fine or up to 6 months jail + possible licence suspension.

3. What if it’s a repeat offence?

₹15,000 fine or up to 2 years jail, FIR, and vehicle/lifetime licence seizure.

4. Can I avoid jail by paying the fine?

Yes, in many cases. Penalties are “and/or” based on court discretion.

5. How can I pay a challan?

Via Parivahan, Maharashtra eChallan portal, or at a traffic office.

6. Can I contest the challan online?

Partially—submit documents and objections online; major cases may need a court visit.

7. How long does it take to clear a challan?

Online: 2–3 days; Offline: up to 10 days. Always save your receipt.

• First offence fine: ₹10,000 / 6 months jail
• Repeat offence fine: ₹15,000 / 2 years jail
• BAC limit: 30 mg/100 ml
• Pay or contest challan online or offline

Tips to Avoid Drink and Drive Penalties in Pune

Use Uber, Ola, or your local taxi services if you know you’ll be drinking. Even a small amount of alcohol can push your BAC over the legal limit before you realise it.

Always carry your documents — DL, insurance, and RC — and try to avoid driving late at night alone. Save the Punei Police helpline number in your phone, just in case.

If you’re stopped at a checkpoint, cooperate fully. If you feel you’ve been wrongly accused, you can request a blood test — breath tests are common, especially during holidays and weekends.

Keep track of any fines online and make sure your friends do the same. More importantly, talk to your circle — don’t let anyone drive drunk. Prevention is always easier than fighting a criminal case later.

To keep updated on the latest traffic rules and regulations, keep following Ecozaar.