Nongpoh, April 29 : In a move to bolster road safety and enforce strict traffic discipline, the Ri-Bhoi Police Intensify Night Drive to Curb Drunken Driving has resumed intensified late-night vehicle checking across key sectors. The drive, which includes extensive breathalyzer testing, follows a surge in road safety concerns and aims to deter violations that are frequently more prevalent during night hours.
During a recent operation, law enforcement officials caught multiple offenders with levels significantly exceeding the legal alcohol limit. In one instance, a breath analyzer test recorded a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 53 mg/100mL, well above the permitted threshold.
In addition to drunken driving, the coordinated naka checking also focused on other common offenses, such as:
- Illegal modifications to vehicle exhaust systems and lights.
- The use of black-tinted glasses on windows.
- Lack of valid vehicle documents and licenses.
- Overloading of commercial vehicles beyond permissible safety limits.
Authorities have reminded the public that the legal alcohol limit for driving in India is 30 mg per 100 mL of blood (or 0.03% BAC). Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the penalties for exceeding this limit are severe:
- First Offense: Fines up to ₹10,000, potential imprisonment for up to 6 months, and suspension of the driving license for at least three months.
- Repeat Offense: If committed within three years, the fine increases to ₹15,000 and can lead to up to 2 years of imprisonment.
The Ri-Bhoi Police emphasize that these checks will remain a sustained effort to ensure the safety of all commuters on NH-6 and throughout the Ri Bhoi district.
