The Transport Department in Delhi has prepared a new set of guidelines on dealing with drunken driving, including cancellation of licences and court trials. These guidelines were accepted by the Delhi High Court this week, and will be notified within a month. As per the new rules, the Delhi Police can confiscate the licence of any driver found to have consumed an impermissible quantity of alcohol. The Transport Department will have the authority to decide whether to suspend or cancel the licence. In case the drunk driver does not have a licence, the police can confiscate any other legal document available, or impound the vehicle being driven.

Most of the Transport Department’s guidelines were accepted by the court. Among those that were rejected were the suggestions that bars and restaurants provide substitute drivers to customers, and that they ensure that customers be allowed to drive only after they were in a state to do so. Under the guidelines, all pubs and restaurants are required to display the penalties related to drunken driving.