Today, drivers lose their licenses for fifteen days if they exceed the 1.2 per mille limit. Starting September 1st, this will be 0.8 per mille in the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg. The East Flanders public prosecutor’s office is also considering stricter measures.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. Research indicates that even mild intoxication negatively impacts driving ability and reaction time. Surveys have also shown that Belgians appear to be more tolerant of alcohol consumption in traffic.

Change in mentality

In Belgium, people also drive under the influence more often than the European average. Therefore, a change in mentality is needed. It should be clear that driving and drinking do not mix. 

With these stricter traffic regulations in Antwerp and Limburg, the public prosecutors want to give a clear signal. The more stringent approach will also see the end of the existing measure of revoking a driver’s license for six hours if a driver tests positive during an alcohol test.