Cops can't seize drunk driver's vehicle: Telangana HC

HYDERABAD: The police have no power to seize vehicles of drunk drivers. Instead, they can allow an accompanying person who has not had alcohol, to drive the vehicle.
This was stated by Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana high court in his order after hearing a batch of petitions filed by vehicle owners, who challenged the seizures and the prolonged wait to get them back.
"If there is no one accompanying the drunk driver, then the police should inform a relative or friends of the intoxicated man to take custody of the vehicle," the order read. The judge added that if no one comes forward to take the vehicle, only then can the police keep the vehicle at the nearest police station or some other safe custody and should release it either to the owner or any authorized person.
The judge, however, agreed with state home department counsel, G Srikanth Reddy's contention that an intoxicated driver should not be allowed to drive from the point where he is caught.