The Government and the Police are taking a tougher stand on people who drive after consuming alcohol exceeding the prescribed limit.
Prior to September 10, 2012, drivers found inebriated behind the wheel were issued with fines, demerit points and suspended from driving for a specified period, after which they could get back their driving licence.
Those days are over.
Repeat offenders with 800/400 breath or 160 blood reading would be obliged to have ‘alcohol interlock licence’ after their disqualification ends.
The interlock licence would be for an initial period of three months, which means those who depend on driving for their work or occupation would be entitled to drive only vehicles fitted with an approved alcohol interlock device.
The interlock is an electronic device that prevents the use of vehicle if alcohol is detected in the breath sample.
Every time the driver starts the vehicle, he or she would breathe into the device. The vehicle would not start if alcohol were detected.
The driver would also be required to provide a breath sample at random when the vehicle is in use. The device would record any violation.
Ram Sastry is a Barrister specialising in Criminal, Immigration, Traffic and Family Laws. He can be contacted on (09) 2708607 Mobile 021-2307222
Email: sastryrambhatla@gmail.com
