Contrôle d’alcoolémieBelgique
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248. Contrôle d’alcoolémie
Un contrôle d’alcoolémie est un contrôle routier destiné à déterminer si un conducteur a consommé de l’alcool et si la limite légale a été dépassée. La police peut utiliser un appareil de dépistage, un éthylotest, une analyse de l’air expiré ou, dans certaines situations, une prise de sang. La procédure exacte et les limites légales varient selon les pays. Le conducteur doit généralement coopérer avec les contrôles autorisés, et le refus d’un test légal peut lui-même entraîner des sanctions.
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.

Règles de circulation
Belgique