Traffic Police Speed Camera on Chandigarh Highway
Blog • Traffic & Law

Traffic Rules Decoded: Speed Limits & Drunk Driving Laws in Punjab

Speed cameras, the 30mg alcohol rule, and new impoundment guidelines — all explained by a Traffic Police Officer in this exclusive interview.

Dec 10, 2025 8 Min Read Verified Info Chandigarh, India
30mg
Legal Alcohol Limit
That's all it takes — 30mg per 100ml of blood. Cross it, and you're looking at a challan, or worse.
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Ever wondered why speed limits change from road to road or exactly how much alcohol triggers a challan? In this exclusive interview with a Traffic Police Officer, we clarify the rules regarding speed cameras, divided roads, and the new regulations for vehicle impounding.

"The camera doesn't care if you are in 5th gear or 3rd gear — if the speed exceeds the limit, it clicks the photo and sends the challan."
— Traffic Police Officer, Punjab
🚗 Speed Limits 🍷 Drunk Driving 📸 Speed Cameras 🚑 Ambulance Rule 📋 New Impoundment Rules 🏍️ Bike Limits 🚛 Heavy Vehicle Rules

🚗 Speed Limits on Divided Roads (With Divider)

Speed limits are not random — they are set according to the road infrastructure. Here's what the officer told us:

Divided Road — With Median
Cars / LMV 60 km/h
Motorcycles 45 km/h
Heavy Vehicles (6-Tyre) 50 km/h

🛣️ Speed Limits on Single Roads (No Divider)

No divider means more risk — the limits drop automatically.

Single Road — No Median
Cars / LMV 50 km/h
Motorcycles 40 km/h
Heavy Vehicles 40 km/h

📸 How Speed Cameras Actually Work

Traffic Police using Alcometer Breathalyzer

Modern speed cameras automatically capture violations without human intervention.

Fully Automated

The camera is automated. It doesn't care if you're in 5th gear or 3rd — if speed exceeds the limit, it clicks the photo and sends the challan. No human bias, no negotiations.

Gear Doesn't Matter

Many riders think being in a lower gear saves them. The camera reads your actual speed — not your RPM. Whether you're in 3rd or 5th, the speed is all that counts.

🚑 The Ambulance Excuse — Does It Work?

The Reality Check

Many people claim they got a challan because they sped up to give way to an ambulance. The officer clarifies that usually, giving way does not require exceeding the speed limit drastically. However, sudden braking or swerving often catches the camera's attention — and that's what triggers the challan.

Pro Tip

If you're moving to the side for an ambulance, do it smoothly and within the speed limit. Sudden lane changes at high speed are more likely to be flagged than a controlled, slow pull-over.

🍷 Drunk Driving: The 30mg Rule

The Alcometer is strictly for alcohol (Daaru), not other drugs. It has a built-in camera that clicks the driver's photo the moment they blow into it.

The Legal Limit

30mg per 100ml of blood

If the alcohol content exceeds this, a challan is issued — no exceptions, no negotiations.

📸 Photo Captured 🍷 Alcohol Only ⚖️ Strict Liability
Zero Tolerance

📋 Old Rule vs New Rule — Vehicle Impoundment

The rules have changed. Here's what's different now:

Old Rule

The vehicle was immediately impounded. No exceptions. If you were caught drunk, your car or bike went to the police station — period.

New Rule

If there is a sober person (with a valid license) in the car, the police may hand over the vehicle to them instead of impounding it. However, the drunk person cannot drive.

💡 Important Reminder

Even one peg or a couple of beers can push you over the 30mg limit depending on your body type.

It's safer to avoid drinking and driving completely. One night of fun isn't worth losing your license — or your life.

⚡ Quick Summary — Know Your Limits

Cars — Divided
60 km/h

With median separator

Bikes — Divided
45 km/h

Motorcycles on divided road

Alcohol Limit
30mg

Per 100ml of blood

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the speed limit for cars on a divided road?
On a road with a divider, the general speed limit for cars is 60 km/h. On single roads without a divider, it drops to 50 km/h. Heavy vehicles are limited to 50 km/h on divided roads and 40 km/h on single roads.
How much alcohol is allowed while driving in India?
The legal limit is up to 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Anything above this will result in a challan and possible vehicle impoundment under the new guidelines.
Will my car be impounded if I am caught drunk driving?
Under new guidelines, if there is a sober passenger with a valid driving license in the vehicle, the police may hand over the car to them. If you are alone or no one else can drive, the vehicle will be impounded.
Does the alcometer detect drugs other than alcohol?
No. The alcometer is strictly for detecting alcohol (Daaru). It does not test for other drugs. It has a built-in camera that clicks the driver's photo the moment they blow into it.
Can I use the ambulance excuse to avoid a speed challan?
Usually, giving way to an ambulance does not require exceeding the speed limit drastically. However, sudden braking or swerving can catch the camera's attention. The camera is automated and clicks a photo if speed exceeds the limit, regardless of the reason.

🚦 Stay Safe on the Roads

Follow traffic rules to ensure your safety and avoid heavy fines. Have a question about a challan or a traffic rule?

Ask Us