Anyone who drives drunk and tests positive in Belgium for a breath test will now get a 12-hour driving ban. Until recently, an ordinary driver would only be banned for three to six hours. 

But that rule is now becoming stricter “to tackle alcohol in traffic much more strictly and consistently,” says Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés). “From now on, anyone who tests positive will have to remain on the sidelines for twelve hours.” 

‘Clear message’

According to the minister, it’s a clear message that anyone who drinks and drives should not get behind the wheel again the same day. You will only get your driving licence back after twelve hours and a negative breath test.

Increasing the temporary driving ban to a standard twelve-hour period should also make alcohol checks carried out by the police much more efficient. In the House Committee on Mobility, the minister already emphasized that he is in favor of zero tolerance “because it contributes to road safety.”

Impact

“A driving ban of two or three hours probably doesn’t bother many drivers, but having to leave their car parked for twelve hours has a much greater impact,” concludes Stef Willems, spokesperson of the Vias traffic safety institute.

Every year, approximately 47,000 drivers are caught driving under the influence in Belgium, an average of around 130 per day. According to a recent European study, Belgium scores downright dramatically: almost nowhere else in Europe do more people get behind the wheel intoxicated.