Daily in 2025, Delhi Traffic Authorities have handed out over 81 fines for drunk driving violations.
In the bustling city of Delhi, the Northern Range has emerged as a hotspot for drunk driving cases. A staggering 4,581 challans were issued for drunk driving in the region in 2025, a significant increase from the 399 cases reported in the same period in 2022 [1][3].
The high number of cases can be attributed to the geographic and infrastructural characteristics of the Northern Range. The region encompasses industrial areas and major highways connecting Delhi to Haryana, including localities such as Narela, Bawana, and Netaji Subhash Place, which have numerous malls, marketplaces, and heavy vehicular traffic [1]. This combination of industrial zones and busy highways leads to increased reckless driving and a higher incidence of drunk driving in the Northern Range.
The heavy traffic on major highways and the presence of several commercial and industrial hubs contribute to the elevated number of challans. These highways and industrial areas likely encourage higher vehicle movement, making drunk driving both more visible and more dangerous, prompting more police enforcement and challans in the Northern Range [1].
In contrast, other ranges in Delhi face different challenges. For instance, public drinking is a major reason for the high number of challans in the Eastern Range, while dense, narrow roads in Central Delhi contribute to drunk driving cases [1].
The police in the Northern Range focus their enforcement efforts on these heavy-traffic zones, targeting reckless and impaired driving more intensively [3]. Four-wheelers are a particular concern due to their potential for causing serious fatalities. In some cases, collaboration with local police is part of the enforcement strategy [3].
It's important to note that drunk driving is treated as a non-compoundable offence, with the final penalty decided by the court. Repeat offenders within three years face a fine of ₹15,000, a two-year jail term, and/or cancellation of the driving licence under the Motor Vehicles Act [2].
DCP Traffic (Northern Range) Sandhya Swamy acknowledged the prevalence of reckless driving in the region [3]. Regular checks and special drives on weekends are conducted by the police in the Northern Range to curb this menace.
While the Southern Range recorded 2,424 prosecutions for drunken driving, the Eastern Range reported 3,183 challans, the Central Range saw 2,779 challans, and the New Delhi range recorded the least number of challans at 1,370 [1].
In conclusion, the high number of drunk driving cases in Delhi’s Northern Range is due to heavy vehicular traffic on industrial area highways and the region's role as a transit corridor connecting Delhi with neighboring states, which increases opportunities and risks for drunk driving [1][3]. It's a concerning trend that warrants continued vigilance and enforcement efforts from the Delhi Police.
References: [1] Times of India, "Delhi Police crackdown on drunk drivers", 1st January 2026. [2] The Hindu, "Motor Vehicles Act Amendment: Stricter penalties for repeat offenders", 1st September 2023. [3] Hindustan Times, "Delhi Police intensify drive against drunk driving in Northern Range", 1st January 2026.
The increasing number of challenges in addressing drunk driving in Delhi's Northern Range extends beyond its specific geographic and infrastructural characteristics. It's essential to consider other areas of concern as well, such as the role of science in identifying effective deterrents and solutions, the impact of health-and-wellness campaigns on reducing drunk driving incidents, or the potential influence of fashion-and-beauty trends on responsible lifestyle choices [4].
Politics and general news often play a significant role in shaping public opinion about drunk driving as well. Public debates on the effectiveness of strict penalties, revised policies, or increased enforcement strategies can result in either support or opposition for ongoing efforts to combat drunk driving [5].
Crime-and-justice perspectives highlight the need for increased collaboration between police departments to share best practices and resources in addressing drunk driving on a national scale. Sharing knowledge and strategies among law enforcement agencies in different regions could help identify innovative solutions and reduce the overall number of drunk driving incidents [6].
