Telangana HC Reiterates Police Can't seize Vehicle For Drunk Driving

As per reports in Live Law, Justice E.V. Venugopal, while disposing of a petition filed by a person seeking release of his vehicle, referred to the 2021 High Court order that laid down detailed guidelines on handling vehicles in drunk driving cases. 

The earlier order, dated October 29, 2021, had stated that while intoxicated



drivers must not be allowed to continue driving, police officers lack the authority to seize vehicles on that ground alone. 

Instead, officers may seize the registration certificate and temporarily detain the vehicle for safe custody.

The vehicle must be released to the owner or an authorized person holding a valid license who is not under the influence of alcohol.

If no such person is present, the police must inform a relative or friend to take custody.