Drink Driving in Belgium
Drink driving is treated very seriously in Belgium. The penalties range from a simple on-the-spot fine to immediate licence seizure, depending on your blood alcohol level. Belgian law applies a zero-tolerance approach for professional drivers.
Legal limits
Penalties by blood alcohol level
| BAC level (g/l) | Immediate ban from driving | Fine | Driving ban |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.2 – 0.5 (professionals) | 2 hours | €105 | Unlikely |
| 0.5 – 0.8 | 3 hours | €179 | Possible |
| 0.8 – 1.0 | 6 hours | €420 * | Likely |
| 1.0 – 1.5 | 6 hours | €578 * | Very likely |
| Above 1.5 | IMMEDIATE SEIZURE | €1,260 * | MANDATORY |
* On-the-spot fine not available for Belgian residents above 0.8 g/l — court summons is mandatory.
The alcolock — an alternative to a driving ban
For certain drink driving cases, the court may offer an alcolock (breathalyser interlock device) as an alternative to a full driving ban. This allows you to continue driving under monitored conditions. A lawyer can actively argue for this option — it is rarely offered spontaneously without legal representation.
Your insurance may cover your lawyer
Legal protection insurance covers legal fees in full for most traffic offences. We check your policy for free.