Police name and shame top 50 drunk drivers

Shanghai traffic police have named and shamed the 50 worst drink-drivers caught so far this year, as based on their blood alcohol levels.

Leading the list is a driver named Yin Wei whose blood alcohol level was 420mg/100ml when he was stopped by police, a staggering five times the minimum amount to be considered drunk.

In China, a driver tested to have over 80mg/100ml of alcohol in their blood is considered drunk.

Yin was discovered by police near the crossroads of Sanzao Road and Liuan Road in suburban Pudong about 9:40pm on January 13.

The last driver on the list had a blood alcohol level of 243mg/100ml when caught driving about 9:45pm on February 5.

Most of the drunk driving cases took place in suburban areas, with only a handful discovered downtown.

Two of the 50 drivers were driving motorcycles.

According to China's traffic law, drunk drivers will have their licenses revoked, and they won't be able to apply for a new one within five years. They also face criminal charges.

Drivers found to be driving after drinking, but who aren't considered legally "drunk," will have their licenses suspended for six months and be fined 1,000 to 2,000 yuan (US$160-320.) That includes anyone caught driving with a blood alcohol level of 20-79mg/100ml. 

Those caught for a second time will be detained for up to 10 days, plus a fine, and have their licenses revoked. They won't be able to apply for a new license within two years.

Shanghai traffic police said they have discovered 1,511 DUI cases and 881 cases of drunk driving so far this year.