🍺 How much can I drink and still drive in Belgium?

With conditions

Quick answer

The limit is 0.5 per mille — roughly one drink, and since 1 July 2026 every offence costs noticeably more. Ordinary drivers: 0.5 per mille (0.22 mg/l breath); professional drivers (bus, truck): 0.2. Blow just over 0.5: an immediate fine of €207 (previously €189). Above 0.8 per mille: €472 and usually referral to the prosecutor. New since 1 July 2026: every positive test triggers a flat 12-hour temporary driving ban — it used to range from 2 to 12 hours. You get your licence back only after a negative test. Heavy intoxication, refusal or repeat offences: police court, with fines running into thousands, licence disqualification and possibly an alcohol interlock. Rule of thumb: one beer can already tip you over — the designated driver remains the only safe per-mille.

📋 The rules

Limit: 0.5 per mille (0.22 mg/l breath) — professional drivers 0.2
0.5–0.8: €207 immediate fine (since 1/7/2026)
Above 0.8: €472 and possible summons
Every positive test: 12-hour temporary ban (new 1/7/2026)
Serious/repeat cases: police court, disqualification, alcohol interlock

🔓 Exceptions

Cyclists: drunk cycling is punishable too, but outside the licence per-mille system
Refusing the breath test = treated as heavy intoxication — no escape route

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Immediate fines of €207 (0.5–0.8) or €472 (>0.8) since 1 July 2026, plus an automatic 12-hour ban. The prosecutor can withdraw the licence for 15 days; courts can impose fines up to €16,000, disqualification up to 5 years and an alcohol interlock.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

How many drinks is 0.5 per mille?

Roughly one standard drink for a woman, two for a man — but weight, pace and food make it unpredictable; counting glasses is the classic mistake.

What exactly changed on 1 July 2026?

All fine amounts rose 10 % (€207/€472 for alcohol) and every positive test now means a standard 12-hour ban regardless of the level.

Does 0.2 apply to young drivers?

No — 0.2 targets professional drivers only; novices stayed at 0.5, though lowering it is politically on the table.

Can I refuse the breath test?

You can, but it's sanctioned like heavy intoxication: ban, referral and heavier penalties — it only worsens your case.

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