In several countries, such as Brazil, driving vehicles after consuming alcoholic beverages constitutes an extremely serious infraction, subject to severe legal consequences. In China, the combination of a strictly regulated traffic system and advancements in the mobility sector has resulted in a practical and widely adopted solution: the designated driver service accessible via applications.
This format allows people who have consumed alcohol in environments such as bars, restaurants, or business meetings to hire a professional to drive their own car to the destination, thus ensuring compliance with legislation and safety on the roads.
The operating mechanism is uncomplicated and integrates into the daily life of major Chinese metropolises through mobile devices. Currently, large companies in the mobility sector, such as Didi and Daijia, are leading this segment in the country.
The growth of the designated driver service in China is directly stimulated by the severity of the local traffic code. Chinese legislation establishes drastic penalties for those who drive under the influence of alcohol, including substantial fines, revocation of the driving license, and even detention.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Public Security of China, rigorous enforcement, combined with the dissemination of alternative transport options, has produced notable effects on road safety over the last decade. The country recorded an average of 200 million designated driver requests annually, in addition to registering a 59.3% decrease in traffic accidents resulting in three or more fatalities since 2012.
