TWO WHEELER INSURANCE FACTS ABOUT MOTOR INSURANCE AND DRUNK DRIVING

If you are travelling by a two-wheeler, according to the guidelines of the Supreme Court of India, you must have all the necessary documents with you as well as you must have a legitimate two-wheeler insurance policy to protect you in the event of an unexpected crash, injury, or financial loss. However, in the case of drunk driving, your insurance policy will be invalid, and you will not get any insurance coverage from your insurance plan.

 

 

 

 

What is Known as Drunk Driving?

According to the driving rules in India, a person, while driving a vehicle, must be alert and focused on avoiding any mishap. If the person takes alcohol or consumes an intoxicating substance more than the allowed limits, it might cause distraction in the driver. The distraction sometimes is fatal and even causes accidents. Therefore, drunk driving refers to driving a vehicle after consuming more than a minimum amount of alcohol or any intoxicating substance.

Drunk Driving and Impact on Two-Wheeler Insurance

Motor insurance includes Drunken Driving. The guidelines of this policy clearly explain when a person cannot raise a bike or car insurance claim. There are explicit mentions that you can’t claim insurance coverage in case of an accident because of drunk driving. Moreover, you have to pay the drunk and drive fine two-wheeler yourself to the property damaged in that accident.

Drunken Driving and the Significant Facts Related to it

The drivers of two-wheelers must maintain the legal limit for alcohol consumption. The maximum limit for consuming alcohol is not more than 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, as determined by a breathalyser. The same limit applies to the person consuming drugs. The law clears that the person must be stable to drive a two-wheeler safely.

Penalty and Punishments for a Drunken Driving

Every citizen of this country must be aware of the penalty and punishment for not maintaining the proper driving rules. The law of India has clearly stated that if a person fails to maintain the drunk-drive laws, they might have to face a penalty and punishment. Indian law considers drinking and driving illegal. Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 considers drunken driving a punishable office by the Indian Penal court.

The person driving under the influence of alcohol or any narcotic substance may be punished with a fine of up to Rs 2000 with six months of police custody. If the same happens within three years, the person will be sentenced to three years with a fine of Rs 3000.

How to Pay the Fine in Case of Drunk Driving

If the motor vehicles department finds a person driving a two-wheeler in a drunken state, the concerned officer will perform a narcotic test on the person according to the guidelines.

If the consumed limit of alcohol exceeds 30 MG/ 100 ML of blood, it will be considered a punishable offence. The person will be charged to pay the fine, and the motor vehicles department will issue a challan. No person can refuse to pay the fine as he is the convict under Indian Law. The penalty for drunk and drive fine can be submitted both online and offline to the authority.

The Latest Guidelines for the Penalty Regarding Drunk Driving

According to the latest Motor Vehicles Act in India, 2019, drunken driving is a punishable offence, and the person will be charged a fine of up to Rs 10000 and/or six months in jail. Earlier the fine was Rs 2000 and/or six months of police custody in case of a first-time offence.

According to the latest rules, in the case of a second-time offence, the fine will be Rs 15000 and/or jail for three years. Earlier, the drunk and drive fine two-wheeler was Rs 3000 as the financial penalty, and the jail was two years.

Drunk Driving and its Impacts on Two-Wheeler Motor Insurance

The two-wheeler insurance policy doesn’t include drunk driving. According to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, any claim for insurance coverage will be invalid in case of an accident caused by drunk driving.

• You can enjoy third-party claims and personal health insurance from your comprehensive two-wheeler insurance. However, in the case of drunk driving, this insurance becomes invalid and void. 
• If you want to take legal action, read the terms and conditions well to avoid financial loss yourself.
• The insurance policy will not be recourse in case of drunk driving.
• If the insurance provider refuses to pay the insurance claim for drunk driving, you cannot take legal action against them as per the driving guidelines.
• Drunk driving does not apply to the insurance provider, and they can do nothing if the rider puts himself or the third party at risk.
• Drunk driving may also impact your eligibility to get insurance for your two-wheeler in future. Your profile will be risky to the insurance providers, which may result in you paying a high charge for the insurance premiums.

Facts to Consider to Avoid the Drunk Driving Penalty

Every citizen of this country must be responsible for maintaining the guidelines to protect himself and others. Drunk driving can result in accidents and might cause major damage to life and property. Here are some suggestions to avoid the drunk driving penalty.

• You must follow the traffic rules.
• If you are not in a stable condition after consuming alcohol, avoid driving yourself.
• In case you have to drive yourself, never consume alcohol.
• You must ensure you have all the necessary documents while driving.
• Driving above the maximum speed limit can be dangerous. Therefore, maintain the maximum speed limit always.

Conclusion

Your life is precious to every person who loves and cares for you. You must remember that your family needs you the most, and that’s why you must follow every driving rule prescribed by the Indian Law system and enjoy comprehensive two-wheeler insurance.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it mandatory to file an FIR to claim my bike insurance?

Ans: Yes, in case there is an accident on your bike or your bike is lost, you must lodge an FIR at the police station and inform your insurance provider to claim the insurance coverage.

Q2. Can I get third-party liabilities if my drunk driving claim is rejected?

Ans: Paying the third-party liabilities depends on the insurance company and the Claim Tribunal that settles the claim. If you get a third-party claim from the insurance company, the company may not pay the repair cost of your vehicle.

Q3. What is the function of a breathalyser?

Ans: Breathalyzers are used by traffic cops to examine the level of alcohol in your body. The maximum level of alcohol in your blood while driving a vehicle must be under 30mg/100ml of blood.