Drink driving in Belgium: what are the penalties?

Belgium takes drink driving very seriously. The penalties can include immediate roadside prohibition from driving, heavy fines, court prosecution and a driving ban. Knowing the rules can help you understand your rights and options.

The legal blood alcohol limits

The limit is 0.5 g/l for private drivers and 0.2 g/l for professional drivers (taxi, bus, goods transport). These are blood alcohol levels — the equivalent breathalyser figures are 0.22 mg/l and 0.09 mg/l respectively.

What happens when you are stopped?

Police use a breathalyser for the initial roadside test. A positive result leads to a blood test to confirm the level. The blood test result is the one used in court proceedings. Refusing to take a test is treated as a positive result under Belgian law.

Immediate consequences

Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l, you face a 3-hour prohibition from driving and an on-the-spot fine of €179. Above 0.8 g/l, Belgian residents cannot pay on the spot and are automatically summoned to the police court. Above 1.5 g/l, your licence is seized at the roadside immediately.

The alcolock as an alternative

For certain cases, particularly a first offence between 0.8 and 1.8 g/l, the court may propose an alcolock instead of a full driving ban. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if your breath alcohol level is above the set threshold. A lawyer who actively argues for this option significantly increases the chance of it being granted.

Related articles