Bhubaneswar, July 6: In a state-wide joint drive against drunk driving by Odisha Police and Transport Department, as many as 722 drivers have been arrested in three months.

In accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, a total of 663 driving licenses (DLs) were suspended in last three months.

The September 2019 amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 mentions that in the case of drunken driving, first-time offenders will face imprisonment up to six months and/or fine up to Rs.10, 000. The second offence, if within two years, can lead to up to two years prison term and/or fine of Rs. 15,000.

After going easy on drunken driving during Covid pandemic time in view of the health hazards associated with breath analyser test, the enforcement squads have been asked to conduct such drives at regular intervals.