AlcoholBruselas

For most drivers, the maximum permitted concentration is 0.21 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled breath. A driver becomes punishable from 0.22 mg/l, corresponding to 0.5‰ in the blood.

No. The standard limit of 0.5‰ in the blood also applies to young and inexperienced drivers. Belgium does not currently impose a separate lower alcohol limit simply because a driver is new or young.

Yes. Professional drivers performing applicable passenger or goods transport are punishable from 0.09 mg/l in exhaled breath or 0.2‰ in the blood. The stricter limit also applies when driving certain heavy vehicle categories even outside professional work.

The police can use screening devices, breath tests and breath-analysis equipment. In certain circumstances, a blood test can also be used to determine the alcohol concentration.

Yes. Depending on the alcohol concentration and circumstances, consequences can include an immediate driving prohibition or licence withdrawal, fines, court proceedings and disqualification from driving.

Yes. A court can impose an alcohol interlock for certain alcohol offences, repeat offences or high alcohol concentrations. In some serious cases, the court is required to impose one unless the law allows a specifically reasoned exception.

Since 1 July 2026, immediate collections for alcohol offences handled on the spot start at €116 for applicable professional drivers between 0.09 and 0.22 mg/l of exhaled breath, and at €197 for ordinary offences between 0.22 and 0.35 mg/l. Higher concentrations result in higher penalties and may lead to court proceedings.

No. Alcohol can impair driving before the legal limit is reached. The safest approach is not to drink alcohol when you plan to drive.