New Year traffic curbs: Cyberabad police announce strict drunk-drive checks

Cyberabad Traffic Police have announced strict traffic enforcement for New Year celebrations, including drunk-driving checks, penalties for cab refusals and action against bars aiding intoxicated driving. Violators face heavy fines, licence cancellation and possible imprisonment.

Hyderabad: Ahead of New Year celebrations, the Cyberabad Traffic Police have announced stringent traffic regulations and enforcement measures to ensure public safety and prevent road accidents on December 31.

The police, in an advisory issued on Monday, have warned cab, taxi and auto-rickshaw operators against refusing rides, misbehaving with passengers, or charging excess fares.

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Drivers have been directed to wear proper uniforms and carry valid documents. Refusal to ply citizens will attract penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act, and citizens can report such incidents via WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, Bars, pubs, and clubs have been cautioned against allowing intoxicated patrons to drive from their premises. Establishments found facilitating drunk driving will face legal action for abetment, police said, and are urging managements to arrange alternative transport and educate customers on the risks of drunk driving.

For the general public, extensive drunk-and-drive checks will begin from 8 pm across Cyberabad limits. Special surveillance cameras have been installed to detect violations such as overspeeding, signal jumping, wrong-side driving, rash driving, helmet violations and illegal parking. Vehicles may be seized if drivers fail to produce valid documents.

The advisory further prohibited high-decibel music systems, vehicles without number plates, overcrowding, triple riding and dangerous driving. Strict action will be taken against minors driving and those without a valid licence.

Highlighting the consequences of drunk driving, police said offenders will be booked under the MV Act and produced before court. First-time offenders face a fine of Rs 10,000 or imprisonment up to six months, while repeat offenders may be fined Rs 15,000 or jailed up to two years. Driving licences will be suspended or permanently revoked based on the offence.

In cases where drunk driving leads to a fatal accident, criminal charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide will be booked.