How to Deal with Overnight Drunk Driving?
4 Answers
Overnight drunk driving is not a problem if not detected, but if detected, it will be treated as drunk driving. If the driver's blood alcohol content is greater than or equal to 20mg per 100ml but less than 80mg, it is considered drunk driving; if the blood alcohol content is greater than or equal to 80mg per 100ml, it constitutes drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol results in a fine of 1000 to 2000 yuan, 12 demerit points, and a 6-month suspension of the driver's license. Driving under the influence of alcohol will result in the revocation of the driver's license, a ban from obtaining a new license for five years, and possible detention and fines after trial. Overnight drunk driving refers to the driver drinking heavily the night before or early in the morning, leading to insufficient metabolism of alcohol the next day. Driving under such circumstances may still be considered drunk driving or driving under the influence, and in rare cases, even drunk driving.
I've encountered quite a few cases of overnight drunk driving, which can be a serious issue. If you drink heavily the night before and get pulled over the next day with blood alcohol content exceeding the limit, it still counts as drunk driving. According to traffic regulations, the penalty ranges from a 12-point deduction and a 2,000 yuan fine to license suspension and even detention. The key issue is that many people think they're fine after a night's sleep, but alcohol metabolism varies from person to person. High-proof liquor can stay in your system for over 20 hours. Last year, my neighbor crashed into a guardrail while driving hungover—not only did he spend over 10,000 yuan on car repairs, but his license was also suspended for six months, forcing him to take the subway to work every day. My advice is to wait at least 24 hours after drinking before driving. If it's urgent, just call a designated driver—don't gamble with this.
I just helped a friend deal with a DUI case from overnight drinking last month. He drank until midnight at a social event the night before, and was caught drunk driving the next afternoon, with his license confiscated on the spot. There's no room for argument in such cases—traffic police only look at the breathalyzer reading, and if it meets the standard, penalties follow. Besides paying fines and getting points deducted, he also had to attend a seven-day traffic regulations course, which severely affected his work. What's even more troublesome is the insurance claim issue—if you're caught drunk driving during an accident, the insurance company won't pay a dime. So now I always remind my friends to lock their car keys away after drinking and just use ride-hailing apps the next day—it's the most hassle-free option. After all, safety comes first—don't risk big trouble just to save a few bucks on a taxi ride.
Overnight drunk driving is actually quite common. Many people underestimate the time it takes for alcohol to metabolize. For example, it takes about 16 hours to fully break down half a pound of liquor. Nowadays, if caught by traffic police, it will be penalized as drunk driving, starting with a 12-point deduction and a fine of 2000 yuan, plus having to retake the written test. I recommend waiting at least 12 hours after drinking, and even longer for high-proof alcohol—better to wait a full day. It’s best to keep a home breathalyzer on hand and test yourself before driving. If you’re over the limit, just take a taxi. Remember, as long as you’re behind the wheel, you’re responsible for road safety. A moment of recklessness could come at a heavy price.
