Starting in July, anyone caught driving drunk will be given a twelve-hour driving ban. Until now, a driving ban following a positive alcohol test could last two, three, six, or twelve hours.

The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport reported on Tuesday that the legislative amendment was published in the Official Gazette.

By systematically revoking driver’s licenses for twelve hours, the government wants to “send a strong signal that our society no longer tolerates the deadly combination of driving and alcohol.”

Unique

The Belgian system of an immediate temporary driving ban, which prevents you from driving further, is unique. Other countries don’t have a similar system of “taking you out of traffic for a moment so you can sober up.”

In most neighboring countries, a sufficiently high alcohol level results in the immediate confiscation or administrative suspension of the driver’s license, often for days to months, rather than a brief block of a few hours.

Other European countries

In the Netherlands, a minor violation usually results in a fine and/or criminal prosecution. From 1.3‰ alcohol (or 0.8‰ for novice drivers), the police can immediately confiscate the driving license.

In France, the police can immediately revoke a driver’s license for a blood alcohol content≥ 0.8‰. This may be followed by a suspension lasting months. In Luxembourg, the police can immediately revoke a driving license for severe alcohol intoxication; the remaining duration is determined administratively or judicially.

In Germany, there is usually no standard on-the-spot driving ban for minor offenses. In serious cases, the police may immediately confiscate the driver’s license pending a judicial decision.