In the province of Flemish Brabant, driving licences will now be revoked at a blood alcohol level of 0.35 mg/l, down from 0.50 mg/l. With this measure, the public prosecutor’s office of Leuven and Halle-Vilvoorde aims to further increase road safety in the province.

The measure to lower the blood alcohol threshold comes on the very day that a news-designated driver campaign is launched under the slogan ‘Bob is everywhere’, accompanied by police checks.

Fines of up to €16,000

The 0.35 mg/l threshold used to apply in Flemish Brabant only during designated driving campaigns, the so-called ‘Bob campaigns’, which are usually organized twice a year throughout Belgium. During these campaigns, the police in the province of Flemish Brabant, both local and federal, conduct additional alcohol and drug checks during the day and at night, on weekdays and weekends.

From now on, however, the new limit will apply throughout the year. Alcohol behind the wheel still has a profound impact on road safety. During the recent summer campaign in Leuven, the police filed 244 reports.

In Halle-Vilvoorde, during the last campaigns in 2023 and 2024, 147 and 148 drivers, respectively, were summoned to appear before the police court, most of them during a themed hearing. “Anyone who blows 0.50 mg/l or more or already has a criminal record will be summoned to appear before the police court,” according to the public prosecutor’s offices.

“There, offenders risk fines of up to 16,000 euros, a driving ban of eight days to five years, and additional measures. In the event of a repeat offense, the judge may also impose an alcohol interlock device or require the offender to pass medical and psychological tests again.”

Drivers with no previous convictions who blow less than 0.50 mg/l are also given the option of taking a course on the risks of alcohol consumption in traffic in Leuven. In contrast, in Halle-Vilvoorde, they can choose to pay an amicable settlement.

Awareness-raising and checks remain necessary

“Fortunately, we see that many drivers are making the right choice, but unfortunately, not everyone,” says Hans Van Espen, public prosecutor in Leuven. “That is why awareness-raising and checks remain necessary. Only in this way can we work together to ensure greater road safety for everyone.”

“Continue to enjoy yourself, but do so responsibly,” says Carol Vercarre, public prosecutor in Halle-Vilvoorde. “If you are going to a party or out for dinner and would like to have a drink, find a safe alternative for getting home beforehand.”

“Don’t put yourself and others in danger. Of course, we hope that the stricter and more uniform approach in our province will further reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries caused by drunk drivers. And at the same time, convince stubborn drivers that alcohol in traffic is no longer acceptable.”

Notable decrease

Figures from the traffic institute Vias and the police show that 30 years after the start of the designated Bob campaign, only 1.2% of drivers tested positive, compared to 6.4% during the first campaign. At the same time, the number of alcohol tests during winter campaigns has risen from around 100,000 in the mid-1990s to more than 600,000 today.

In alcohol-related accidents, an average of 1.6 per mile is recorded. Alcohol also remains a factor in 10 to 15% of injury accidents.