How much can I drink and still drive in Belgium?
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
- Professional drivers (bus, truck): for them the limit is not 0.5 but 0.2 per mille
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Just over the limit (0.5–0.8 per mille) it is an immediate fine of €207 since 1 July 2026; above 0.8 per mille that becomes €472. On top of that, every positive test brings a 12-hour driving ban: you only get your licence back after a negative test, so your car stays put. The prosecutor can then withdraw the licence for 15 days. Heavy intoxication, refusal or a repeat sends you to the police court, and there it is no longer about €207: fines up to €16,000, disqualification for up to 5 years and an alcohol interlock are on the table.
📎 Official sources
- Ghent Local Police · Traffic-law changes 1/7/2026 (NL) →
- VSV · Alcohol: limits, checks, penalties (NL) →
- Mijnboete.be · Alcohol intoxication at the wheel (NL) →
❓ Frequently asked
How many drinks is 0.5 per mille?
Roughly one standard drink for a woman and two for a man. But weight, pace and whether you have eaten make it unpredictable, so counting glasses is the classic mistake — one beer can already tip you over.
What exactly changed on 1 July 2026?
All fine amounts rose by 10 percent: for alcohol that means €207 (0.5–0.8) and €472 (above 0.8). On top of that, every positive test now brings a standard 12-hour driving ban, whatever the reading.
Does 0.2 apply to young drivers?
No — that 0.2 only applies to professional drivers such as bus and truck drivers. For novice drivers the limit stayed at 0.5 per mille, though lowering it is politically on the table.
Can I refuse the breath test?
You can, but it is sanctioned like heavy intoxication: a driving ban, referral to the prosecutor and heavier penalties. Refusing is therefore no escape route — it only makes your case worse.
What do I risk on a repeat offence or heavy intoxication?
The immediate fine disappears and the police court takes over, with fines that can reach €16,000 and disqualification from driving for up to 5 years. The court can add an alcohol interlock on top.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “drink driving limit belgium”
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