Drunk driving can send you to jail for up to 6 years
KwaZulu-Natal authorities will crack down on drunk driving over Easter, with tougher penalties, including up to six years in jail. Expect increased roadblocks and policing.
As the Easter weekend approaches, KwaZulu-Natal authorities are gearing up to crack down on drunk driving.
The province's Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, has announced that his department will take a "no mercy" approach to lawbreakers, with a focus on imposing tougher penalties, including jail sentences of up to six years.
ALSO READ: Know your rights when stopped at a roadblock
The move is aimed at tackling South Africa's drunk driving problem, which poses a significant risk to road safety. According to the National Roads Act, it is illegal for a driver to operate a motor vehicle while having more than 0.05 grams per 100ml of alcohol in their blood.
Drivers found to be over the limit will be arrested, taken into custody and face further tests, including a blood test.
The consequences of drunk driving can be severe. According to BusinessTech, a driver faces a minimum fine of R2,000 or up to six years in prison, as well as the risk of having their driver's licence suspended,
The KZN transport department has made it clear that it will push for the maximum sentence.
To enforce these regulations, the KZN transport department has deployed 837 officials from the road traffic inspectorate to man roadblocks on various key routes.
Authorities will check for roadworthiness, and 120 law enforcement officers will aid safety and security checks.
As the Easter weekend gets underway, South African motorists can expect increased roadblocks and policing.
In addition, legal experts have cautioned drivers to be mindful of how they approach these stop points and to remember their own rights when dealing with traffic officials.
Although local authorities are determined to clamp down on drunk driving, drivers need to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
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