Drunk driving cases are rising across Telangana, prompting traffic police to step up checks, particularly on weekend nights. According to traffic enforcement data, an average of 37 drunk driving cases are being registered every hour across the state — about 15% higher than last year. Police in Hyderabad, Cyberabad and the newly integrated Future City areas have increased checks around nightlife zones and on roads that see heavy traffic during late-night hours.
More than 1,700 cases in a week
The scale of the problem was visible during recent enforcement drives. Police registered 1,744 drunk driving cases in one week across the three jurisdictions. In Hyderabad, traffic police booked 341 motorists during checks conducted on September 4 and 5. In Cyberabad, police caught 329 motorists during checks on September 5 and 6. Two-wheelers made up a large share of the violations. Future City police, meanwhile, detained 74 people for drunk driving between August 29 and September 4.
Courts impose fines and jail terms
The courts have also taken a strict view of the offences. Cyberabad courts recently disposed of 213 drunk driving cases. Fifteen offenders were sentenced to jail, one was ordered to perform community service and 197 were fined. In Future City, courts dealt with 41 cases, ordering community service for four drivers and imposing fines on the remaining 37.
Police say the message is clear: a drunk driving case can lead to more than just a roadside fine. Depending on the circumstances, offenders could face court proceedings, heavy penalties, community service or even imprisonment.
Fatal accidents can bring tougher charges
Police have also warned that drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents could face serious criminal charges. In such cases, authorities may invoke Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The provision can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years, depending on the circumstances and the court's findings.
High Court ruling on vehicle seizure
At the same time, the Telangana High Court has clarified an important point about enforcement. While police can register cases and take legal action against drunk drivers, the court has held that they cannot directly seize vehicles during drunk-driving checks under the applicable transport rules, including Rule 44A. However, the ruling does not mean motorists are free from legal consequences. They can still face prosecution, fines, licence-related action and, in serious cases, imprisonment.
Why are cases still rising?
The increase in cases is being linked partly to growing nightlife and late-night activity in Hyderabad and its expanding urban areas. More people are travelling home from pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues during weekend nights, increasing the need for checks. Police have responded by placing breathalyser checkpoints near nightlife hubs and increasing patrols during peak hours. But enforcement alone may not solve the problem. Repeat offenders remain a concern, while the large number of cases also puts pressure on courts and the authorities responsible for processing driving licence-related action. For traffic police, the focus now is on making people think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.