What are the penalties for drunk driving with a Class A license?
2 Answers
A Class A or higher driver's license will have 12 points deducted for drunk driving. If the offense does not reach the level of license revocation, the driver must also undergo a license downgrade procedure. Below is relevant information on drunk driving with a Class A license: 1. Driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol results in 15 days of detention, a fine, revocation of the motor vehicle driver's license, and a 5-year ban from reapplying for a driver's license; 2. Driving under severe intoxication (drunk driving) will lead to restraint by traffic management authorities until sober, revocation of the motor vehicle driver's license, criminal liability, and a 5-year ban from reapplying for a driver's license.
Regarding the penalties for drunk driving with a Class A license, I can share some insights from my driving experience. If you hold a Class A license and are caught drunk driving, the penalties under Chinese regulations are quite severe, mainly divided into two tiers: for driving under the influence (blood alcohol level 20-80 mg/100ml), the fine ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 yuan, 12 demerit points, and a 6-month license suspension; for drunk driving (blood alcohol level over 80 mg/100ml), the license is revoked, with a fine starting at 5,000 yuan, up to 15 days of detention, and a 5-year ban from reapplying for a Class A license. What’s worse is that Class A drivers are often professionals—losing their license means starting from scratch like a beginner, costing time and money, and potentially losing their livelihood. I’ve seen experienced drivers lose their jobs overnight after a single drunk driving incident at a party, now relying on ride-hailing or public transport. Never risk drunk driving—the consequences are beyond imagination, and safety should always come first.
