Court says police can stop drunk drivers but must not seize vehicles; if no sober person is present, they should inform a relative or friend to take custody.

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has once again made it clear that police cannot automatically seize or detain a vehicle just because the driver is found drunk.

In an order issued on Thursday, April 9, the court explained that while a person under the influence of alcohol should not be allowed to continue driving, that alone is not enough reason for police to take away the vehicle.

2021 guidelines

The court referred to earlier guidelines issued in 2021, which laid down how such situations should be handled. According to these guidelines, if a driver is drunk but someone else in the vehicle is sober and has a valid driving licence, that person should be allowed to drive the vehicle away.

If no such person is present, the police can temporarily keep the vehicle in a safe place. However, they must inform a relative or friend of the driver so the vehicle can be handed over to someone responsible. The vehicle should not be held indefinitely.