New Year traffic curbs announced across Cyberabad limits; drunk driving checks from 8 p.m. on December 31

The Cyberabad Traffic Police announced a series of restrictions and enforcement measures ahead of New Year celebrations for December 31, warning of strict action against traffic violations, drunk driving and non-compliance by commercial establishments and transport operators.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner, Avinash Mohanty, issued a notification imposing restrictions on construction and debris transportation vehicles within the Outer Ring Road limits. Such vehicles will not be permitted inside the ORR between 10.30 p.m. and 2 a.m. on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1.

The advisory will be in force from the evening of December 31 through the early hours of January 1, with extensive checks for drunk driving beginning at 8 p.m. across all roads in the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits. Special cameras have been installed to detect violations such as wrong-side driving, unauthorised parking, speeding, signal jumping, rash driving and riding without helmets, with offenders to be identified and prosecuted.

Cab, taxi and autorickshaw operators have been directed to wear proper uniforms, carry valid documents and not refuse rides. Police said refusal to ply would attract penalties under Section 178 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and e-challans would be issued. Complaints can be sent to the Cyberabad Traffic Police WhatsApp number 94906-17346 with vehicle details, time and location. Operators have also been warned against misbehaviour and overcharging.

Bars, pubs and clubs have been cautioned that managements will be prosecuted if they knowingly or negligently allow customers to drive under the influence of alcohol after consuming liquor on their premises. Establishments have been asked to educate patrons on the consequences of drunk driving and ensure alternative travel arrangements, including stopping intoxicated persons from driving away.

Police said vehicles would be taken into temporary safe custody if drivers fail to produce valid documents. Motorists are required to stop and cooperate during checks, with obstruction of police duties inviting legal action. Minor driving or driving without a valid licence will lead to detention of the vehicle, and both the owner and driver will be prosecuted. In such cases, travellers will have to make their own arrangements to continue their journey.

Outlining the consequences of drunk driving, the police said cases under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, would be booked and offenders produced before court. The penalty for a first offence is ₹10,000 and or imprisonment of up to six months, while repeat offences attract a penalty of ₹15,000 and or imprisonment of up to two years.

Driving licences will be seized and sent to the respective RTOs for suspension, with first-time offenders facing a three-month suspension and repeat offenders facing permanent revocation. In cases where drunk driving results in death, a criminal case will be registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the accused will be arrested and sent to jail.