Over 300 booked as Mumbai traffic police crack down on drunk driving on New Year

Police conduct checks near the JW Marriott, Juhu. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Mumbai's New Year celebrations came at a cost for errant motorists, as the city's traffic police launched a strict overnight crackdown on drunk driving. Over 300 offenders were booked in a coordinated operation spanning the night of December 31 to the morning of January 1.

According to police sources, this year marked a shift in enforcement. Earlier, drunk driving cases often ended with fines in court. However, the Mumbai Police have now adopted a zero-tolerance policy, registering cases and filing charge sheets against the accused. Offenders will face full-fledged trials, with provisions for both punishment and monetary penalties upon conviction.

Cops screen drivers driving at Marine Lines. Pic/Shadab Khan

"The intensified crackdown was part of a citywide operation. 41 traffic divisions conducted coordinated checks, ensuring strict action against violators," said a senior officer. Offenders were booked under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which deals with driving under the influence of alcohol. Vehicles were seized, and driving licences confiscated and sent to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for suspension.

Police said the tougher stance is aimed at deterring drunk driving and ensuring public safety during major celebrations. North Mumbai's traffic division alone booked around 50 people for drunk driving.