Six Years Behind Bars: KZN Clamps Down on Drunk Driving This Easter

Motorists travelling through KwaZulu-Natal over the Easter weekend have been warned: drive drunk, and you could spend up to six years behind bars.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has announced a zero-tolerance approach to drunk driving as part of a province-wide Easter traffic safety campaign. With travel volumes expected to spike—particularly between Gauteng and KZN’s coast—authorities say they are ready to enforce new penalties with full force.

“We have mandated law enforcement officers to come down hard on motorists found to be driving under the influence of alcohol,” said the department. “This is not about punishment—it’s about prevention and saving lives.”

Toll Gates to See 1,500 Cars Per Hour

Easter travel is among the busiest periods on South African roads. This year, traffic is expected to peak at 1,500 vehicles per hour passing through toll gates en route to the coast.

To manage the surge, the KZN Department of Transport has deployed 837 road traffic inspectorate officers and an additional 120 law enforcement officers to monitor key routes. Authorities will conduct roadworthiness checks, enforce speed limits, and perform random breathalyzer tests.

Drunk Driving = Jail Time

The crackdown follows the introduction of tougher sentencing guidelines for drunk driving offences. Drivers caught over the legal alcohol limit—0.05g per 100ml of blood—now face up to six years in prison, alongside fines and potential licence suspension.

The department has partnered with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that offenders are successfully prosecuted and sentenced.

What Happens If You’re Arrested for Drunk Driving?

If you’re caught over the legal alcohol limit, here’s what you can expect:

• Immediate arrest and detention

• Blood tests (refusal is not permitted)

• Possible overnight or weekend detainment before a court appearance (within 48 hours, excluding weekends)

• Penalties including fines of R2,000 or up to six years in prison

• Possible suspension of your driver’s licence

Legal experts also warn that while drivers have rights during traffic stops, refusing to cooperate with official procedures—like a blood test—can result in more severe consequences.

Political Backing for Stricter Enforcement

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the tough stance but called for even broader measures. “Driving under the influence is not a mistake—it is a choice. And it is a choice that puts lives at risk,” the party said.

The DA also urged authorities to apply the same strict enforcement to speeding and reckless driving, especially for vehicles transporting children.

Don’t Take the Risk

As South Africa enters one of its deadliest travel periods, the message from KwaZulu-Natal is clear: drive sober or face jail.

With hundreds of officers on patrol and new sentencing guidelines in place, drunk driving is no longer just a traffic offence—it’s a serious crime that could change your life forever.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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