Control de alcoholemiaValonia
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Normas de tráfico
Valonia
248. Control de alcoholemia
Un control de alcoholemia es una comprobación en carretera utilizada para determinar si un conductor ha consumido alcohol y si ha superado el límite legal. La policía puede utilizar un dispositivo de detección, prueba de aliento, análisis de aire espirado o, en determinadas situaciones, un análisis de sangre. El procedimiento exacto y los límites legales varían entre países. Normalmente el conductor debe colaborar con las pruebas autorizadas, y negarse a una prueba legal puede conllevar sanciones por sí mismo.
Can the police require any driver to take an alcohol test in Belgium?
Yes. Police can require a breath test from anyone driving on a public road, anyone preparing to drive, a person accompanying a learner driver and people who may have been involved in a traffic accident.
How does an alcohol control work in Belgium?
Police may first use an alcohol-detection device or breath test. When the breath test reaches the applicable legal threshold, a more precise breath analysis is carried out to measure the alcohol concentration.
When is a breath analysis required in Belgium?
For ordinary drivers, a breath analysis is carried out when the breath test indicates at least 0.22 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled alveolar air. For drivers subject to the stricter professional limit, the threshold is 0.09 mg/l.
Can a blood test be used during an alcohol control in Belgium?
Yes. A blood test can be ordered in situations where the breath test or breath analysis cannot be carried out or in other circumstances provided by law.
What happens if you refuse an alcohol test in Belgium?
Refusing a required breath test or breath analysis is itself punishable and also results in an immediate temporary prohibition on driving.
How long is the immediate driving prohibition after a positive alcohol control in Belgium?
Since 1 July 2026, the standard immediate driving prohibition is 12 hours when the applicable alcohol threshold is reached or when the driver refuses the required test.
Can you automatically drive again after the 12-hour prohibition?
No. Before driving again, the person must undergo a new breath test or breath analysis. If the result remains at or above the legal threshold, or the person refuses the test, the prohibition is extended by another 12 hours.
Can you request a blood test to challenge a Belgian breath-analysis result?
When a breath analysis measures at least 0.35 mg/l, the person must be informed of the right to request a counter-analysis by blood test. The cost is borne by the person if the blood test confirms the offence.
