The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arrested 166 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during a week-long road safety operation aimed at reducing crashes and improving compliance with traffic laws across the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the arrests were made during high-visibility operations, roadblocks and routine patrols conducted between 27 July and 2 August 2026.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department remains committed to tackling reckless driving and protecting all road users.
According to the JMPD, driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal road crashes on Johannesburg’s roads. The department said its weekday and weekend enforcement operations are intended to remove impaired drivers before they cause crashes that could result in injuries or loss of life.
“The Department commends officers for their vigilant efforts, as well as the processing teams at the Alcohol Evidence Centres,” Fihla said.
The JMPD warned that driving while intoxicated is a criminal offence and that motorists found exceeding the legal alcohol limit will be arrested, detained at the relevant South African Police Service station and prosecuted.
Authorities urged motorists who intend to consume alcohol to make alternative transport arrangements, including using a designated driver, an e-hailing service or staying overnight where they are.
“There is zero tolerance for drunk driving on Johannesburg roads,” the department said.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to report reckless driving, illegal road activities and municipal by-law violations through the JMPD’s emergency call centres.
Drunk driving remains a significant road safety challenge in South Africa. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), alcohol impairment reduces a driver’s reaction time, affects judgement, slows coordination and increases risk-taking behaviour, making crashes more likely and often more severe.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified alcohol impaired driving as one of the major behavioural risk factors contributing to road traffic deaths globally. The organisation estimates that approximately 1.19 million people die every year in road traffic crashes worldwide, with alcohol consumption being a major contributing factor in many countries.
In South Africa, road safety authorities have repeatedly warned that alcohol is among the leading contributors to fatal crashes, particularly during weekends, festive seasons and public holidays when traffic volumes and social gatherings increase.
The National Road Traffic Act prohibits any person from driving a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The law also prescribes maximum permissible blood and breath alcohol concentrations for drivers, with offenders facing arrest, criminal prosecution, possible fines or imprisonment upon conviction.
South Africa is also a signatory to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and supports the global target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries. The country’s National Road Safety Strategy similarly prioritises stronger law enforcement, safer road user behaviour and efforts to reduce alcohol related crashes.
The JMPD said it will continue conducting visible policing operations across Johannesburg as part of its ongoing campaign to improve road safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
The department urged all motorists to act responsibly, obey the rules of the road and make safe transport choices to help prevent avoidable crashes and save lives.
