Belgian Bob campaign: lowest number of positive alcohol tests ever

During the last Bob campaign—between November 29th, 2024, and February 3rd, 2025—only 1.22% of drivers took a positive breath test, the lowest figure in the past thirty years. Last year, it was 1.57%; ten years ago, it was still 2.8%.

During the nine weeks, more than 600,000 people (605,759) were checked—200,000 more than in 2024. The province of Antwerp scored best: less than 1 percent of the drivers checked were under the influence.

Positive trend

Traffic institute Vias suspects that the increased media attention for the accidents and the positive tests of several well-known Flemish people has had an impact.

The federal police are happy with the positive trend – fewer drivers blew positive even though more motorists were checked. However, those who gave a positive breath test turned out to have drunk far too much. Two in three drivers had an alcohol level of 0,8 per mille in their blood, while the legal limit is 0,5.

Zero-tolerance policy

The problem with this imposed limit is that it is never completely clear how much you can drink. At least zero tolerance is clear. In the Netherlands, it has just emerged that three-quarters of the population wants a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol in traffic.

The message for the police is clear: don’t drink and drive or look for a safe alternative, such as a BOB, taxi, or overnight stay. Maybe the automotive sector will become a valuable partner in pushing forward this change in mentality by making cars that refuse to start if the driver has been drinking.