Revelries aside, city tipplers will have to pay a heavy price for drunken driving this New Year's Eve, as the city administration on Monday said penalties for the misdemeanour may result in the seizure of their vehicles.

Traffic police will conduct intensive checks at all major intersections to maintain law and order. Officials have said that stringent action will be taken against hooligans and drunk drivers.

While the entire city will be celebrating the arrival of the new year, the law and order contingent will remain on duty to ensure traffic discipline. Local police stations will assist with the nightlong arrangements.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Basant Kaul, stated that strict vigilance will be maintained to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with the law.

Vehicle checks will begin in the evening on Tuesday to ensure smooth traffic flow during the celebrations, which will continue into the wee hours.

Vehicles driven under the influence of alcohol, whether two-wheeled, four-wheeled, or others, will be seized. Special arrangements are in place to provide clear passage to ambulances and other emergency services vehicles.

The RTO department will ensure proper parking arrangements; violations will result in the seizure of vehicles by a flying squad, which will survey hotspots throughout the celebrations.

The traffic department has opened a dedicated helpline for citizens to report cases of reckless driving and traffic violations.

If a vehicle is stopped on suspicion of being driven under the influence of alcohol, police personnel will have the driver undergo a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) test.

If breathalyser readings show unacceptable levels of alcohol in the driver's body, the police may seize the vehicle and impose heavy penalties.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime, with penalties ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, and a prison sentence of up to six months.

In recent years, drunken driving and hooliganism have dampened New Year festivities in the state capital, with youngsters insisting on dancing in the streets and causing inconvenience to citizens, especially women, at several locations. Fire and medical services will also remain on high alert throughout the celebratory period.