header Two Wheeler Insurance

Negative Impacts of Drunk Driving in Two Wheeler Insurance

By Vikas Chandra Das
21 July 2022, 11:46 AM

When travelling by a two-wheeler, make sure you have all the correct documentation with you. You must have a legitimate two-wheeler insurance policy in place to protect you in the event of an unexpected crash, injury, or financial loss. However, if you drive while drunk, your insurance policy may not be able to cover you from accidental losses.

Drunk Driving Facts in India You Must Know 

Drunk driving in India is a serious offense. Here are a few facts that you need to understand about two-wheeler insurance and drunk driving:

1. Alcohol Limit 

As a driver, you must know the legal limit for alcohol consumption. Any person whose blood contains alcohol over 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, as determined by a breathalyzer, is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol. The same will apply to someone who is under the influence of drugs to where he or she is incapable of maintaining proper control of a two-wheeler vehicle.

2. Fine and Punishment

As a responsible citizen in India, know the penalties for failing to follow the drink-drive laws. Drinking and driving is illegal in India, according to Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, and is punishable by the Indian Penal Court.

And, according to this act, driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics will be punished for the first time offence with 6 months of police custody and/or a fine of up to INR 2,000. If the same offence is committed again within three years, the offender will be sentenced to two years in jail and/or a fine of INR 3,000.

3. Procedure For Paying a Drink and Drive Fine 

When you're pulled over for driving while drunk, follow these steps: As previously mentioned, if the values found in the test match or are greater than 30 MG/ 100 ML of blood, a challan will be issued by the concerned officer of the Motor Vehicles Department. You do not refuse to take the exam because you risk being convicted and facing further legal problems. According to the challan, you can pay for the drink and drive either online or offline.

Legal Penalties for Drunk Driving for Two Wheelers

As per the Motor Vehicles Act 2019, for the first offence, you could face a 6-month jail sentence and/or a fine of up to INR10,000/-. Previously, the penalty for the first offence was a fine of INR2,000/- and a six-month jail sentence. If this is your second offence, you may be sentenced to two years in jail and/or a fine of INR15,000/-. Prior to this provision, a fine of INR3,000/- and a two-year jail sentence may be imposed.

Negative Impacts of Drunk Driving in Two Wheeler Insurance

Drunk driving is not covered by your two wheeler insurance policy in any way. Insurance does not cover drunk driving, according to the terms and conditions of the contract. Here are the negative impacts of drunk driving in two wheeler insurance:

  • You get coverage for third party claims as well as personal health services when you have comprehensive two wheeler insurance. However, these become null and void in the case of drunk driving accidents.
  • If you break this condition, there will be no recourse available to you.
  • You should read the policy terms carefully before considering legal action, as you will end up paying legal bills with little hope of success.
  • For refusing a claim arising from drunk driving, no insurance provider may be charged or sued in court.
  • There is nothing an insurance provider can do when a rider puts himself and a third party at risk of his own volition, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
  • Moreover, in the future, many insurance can also refuse to give you insurance. Considering the fact that your profile will seem risky to them. And, if you would be able to get insurance, be prepared to pay a high premium.

Mr. Rajesh had visited an office party, on his way home his bike unfortunately encountered an accident on the road. Although he had escaped away with minor injuries, his two wheeler suffered some damage due to a collision with a tree. The next day he filed a claim with his insurance company so that he could receive compensation for the incurred own damages of his bike. However, when the vehicle was investigated and he was asked for proof, it was revealed to the two wheeler insurance company that he had been drunk while the accident had taken place. Subsequently, his claim was rejected and he received no benefits from his insurance provider.

How to Avoid Drunk Driving Fines

Here are several suggestions for avoiding fines for driving while drunk:

  • When you know you have to drive and return home, don't drink.
  • Follow all traffic laws.
  • Make sure you have all of the required paperwork for the vehicle you're driving.
  • If you're driving under the influence of alcohol, don't go too far.
  • Stay in your driving speed limit, don’t rush.
  • To get around, take a taxi or call for assistance. You must protect yourself from any threat.

Conclusion

For all of us, driving a two-wheeler is vital because it provides us with comfort, status, and freedom. In other words, it is an art to make life easier by commuting from one place to another. It is a responsibility to drive when under the influence of alcohol. It is to prevent larger liabilities from arising as a result of an accident at bay. According to a survey, nearly 77,000 people died in nearly 2 lakh road accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol between 2008 and 2017. Since life is precious, you should always keep in mind that someone is waiting for you at home while driving. You must obey traffic laws at all times and should not drive when drunk.

Two wheeler Insurance banner
Two wheeler Insurance

Starting at only ₹1.5 per Day*

Enter your details to buy Bike Insurance
By proceeding you agree to Terms & Conditions
Proceed without two wheeler number