Pune city and Pimpri-Chinchwad traffic police have taken strict action against drunk driving during the New Year celebrations, registering cases against a total of 448 people. The enforcement drive, which ran from the evening of December 31, 2025, to the morning of January 1, 2026, saw a slight increase in violations compared to the previous year's tally of 430 cases.
Intensive Checks Across the Twin Cities
To ensure road safety, police set up numerous checkpoints at key traffic junctions and near popular celebration spots. The Pune city traffic police alone established 40 checkpoints, conducting breathalyzer tests on 2,128 drivers and riders. From these, 208 individuals were found operating bikes or vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit.
In the neighboring Pimpri-Chinchwad jurisdiction, authorities were equally vigilant. The traffic branch there deployed over 45 checkpoints, leading to the apprehension of 240 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. Officials stated that areas known for attracting large crowds on New Year's Eve were under special surveillance.
Annual Drive and Legal Ramifications
Pune City Traffic DCP Himmat Jadhav highlighted that the special New Year operation was part of a broader year-long initiative. Throughout 2025, a total of 6,765 people were caught for drunk driving in Pune city during multiple intensive campaigns. DCP Jadhav affirmed that such rigorous enforcement drives would continue in the current year as well.
The primary tool for enforcement was the breathalyzer, or breath analyser. This device measures the concentration of ethanol in a person's breath, providing a reading that corresponds to their blood alcohol level.
Stringent Punishments Under the Law
Those caught with a BAC exceeding the permissible limit of 30 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood are booked under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. This section deals with driving by a drunken person or someone under the influence of drugs.
The legal consequences are severe:
- For a first offence: Punishment can include imprisonment for up to six months, a fine, or both. The driver's license may also be suspended or cancelled.
- For a second or subsequent offence within three years: The imprisonment term can extend up to two years, along with a fine or both.
All individuals booked during the drive will face prosecution in a designated court for punitive action. The police's message is clear: driving under the influence will not be tolerated, especially during festive periods when road risks are heightened.
