Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or holding a mobile phone while driving, is one of the most serious violations in Belgian legislation. The legal alcohol limit is 0.22 mg/l of exhaled air (0.5 per mille in the blood).
Alcohol: the driving ban since July 2026
Previously, the duration of your driving ban depended on your blood alcohol level (2, 3, 6, or 12 hours). This has been abolished. From the minimum threshold of 0.22 mg/l, every offender now automatically receives 12 hours of driving ban, plus an immediate fine starting at approximately 179 euros (the amount increases with higher blood alcohol levels and rose by about 10% at the beginning of 2026).
If you are at or above 0.35 mg/l (0.8 per mille)? Then in addition to the driving ban, you will also immediately lose your driving license for 15 days, and the case will be referred to the police court.
Drugs: zero tolerance
For illegal drugs, there is zero tolerance, determined through a roadside saliva test, a laboratory analysis, and possibly a blood test. A positive result leads directly to a 12-hour driving ban én immediate withdrawal of your driving license for 15 days.
Mobile phone while driving
Holding or operating a mobile phone or any device with a screen while driving is a third-degree violation, with an immediate fine of approximately 174 euros. In addition, more and more public prosecutors and police zones are withdrawing the driving license on the spot for 15 days, a measure that is standardly applied in many districts (such as West and East Flanders, Antwerp, and Limburg).
Operating is only allowed if your vehicle is stationary or parked. It remains prohibited even at a red light or in traffic jams.
Who are these controls for?
The police may conduct checks on public roads én in public places such as parking lots of stores or hospitality businesses. The rules apply to the driver, the driving instructor én the accompanying person with a provisional driving license. If the accompanying person is under the influence, the learner driver may not continue the trip.
What are you allowed to do during a driving ban?
During a driving ban or immediate withdrawal, you may not operate any vehicle on public roads: not only the car but also the (electric) bicycle, scooter, and speed pedelec. Driving under the influence is prohibited for all drivers, including cyclists. After the 12 hours, you may only leave again if a new test indicates that you are sober.
And in your theory exam?
Alcohol, drugs, and mobile phone use are among the serious violations. A mistake on a question about this counts as a serious error: 5 points instead of 1. With only 9 points of leeway (you need 41 out of 50), such a mistake can quickly cost you your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maximum 0.5 per mille (0.22 mg/l of exhaled air). For professional drivers, that is 0.2 per mille.
Since July 1, 2026, you receive a 12-hour driving ban for every positive alcohol test, regardless of the blood alcohol level.
From 0.35 mg/l (0.8 per mille), in the case of a positive drug test, and in many jurisdictions also for mobile phone use while driving.
Yes. Driving under the influence is prohibited for all drivers, and the 12-hour driving ban also applies to (electric) bicycles and scooters.
Do you know all the rules regarding alcohol and mobile phones?
Violations regarding alcohol and mobile phone use will cost you 5 points directly on the exam. Practice until you know them flawlessly with Mathieu's course.
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Last updated: June 2026 · Content checked by Mathieu, instructor · Source: the Belgian Highway Code