The short answer: Indian law does not count pegs. It counts the alcohol in your blood. Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, driving with more than 30 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood is an offence.
How many pegs reach 30 mg/100 ml?
For many adults, one large peg (60 ml whisky) or one strong beer can bring them close to the limit. Two pegs often cross it. But the same drink affects people very differently.
Your reading depends on:
- Body weight: lighter people reach a higher level from the same drink
- Gender: women usually reach a higher level than men from the same amount
- Food: drinking on an empty stomach raises the level faster
- Drink strength: a strong beer (8%) has much more alcohol than a regular one (5%)
- Time: the level keeps rising for 30 to 90 minutes after the last drink
Approximate alcohol in common drinks
| Drink | Serving | Approx. pure alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Whisky / rum / vodka (42.8%) | 30 ml small peg | about 10 g |
| Whisky / rum / vodka (42.8%) | 60 ml large peg | about 20 g |
| Regular beer (5%) | 330 ml can | about 13 g |
| Strong beer (8%) | 650 ml bottle | about 41 g |
| Wine (12%) | 150 ml glass | about 14 g |
These are rough figures. They cannot tell you if you personally are under the limit.
What is the penalty?
If you are caught above the limit, the fine can go up to ₹10,000 and/or jail up to 6 months for a first offence. A repeat offence within 3 years can bring a ₹15,000 fine and/or up to 2 years in jail. Read more in our guide on drunk driving penalties in India.
The only safe way to know
There is no safe number of pegs. The only way to know your level is to measure it. A personal breath alcohol tester shows your reading in seconds, before you take the wheel.
AlcoBreath personal testers ship free across India on prepaid orders. See our personal breathalyzers or read how fuel cell breath analyzers work.
Best advice: if you have had a drink, do not drive. Take a cab or hand the keys to someone sober.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1 beer over the limit in India?
It can be. One strong 650 ml beer can take many people above 30 mg/100 ml.
How many ml of alcohol is allowed while driving?
The law sets no ml limit. It sets a blood alcohol limit of 30 mg per 100 ml.
Is there zero tolerance for drink driving in India?
For private drivers the limit is 30 mg/100 ml. Many companies, transport fleets and airlines follow zero tolerance for their staff.
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