Alcohol while driving: Belgium requires a withdrawal I …

From the same time, the rules will radically change for Belgian motorists taken in Flagrant alcohol offense driving. Meanwhile, Until then, the immediate sanctions varied Depending on the alcohol level detected: two, three or six hours of driving prohibition. Similarly, These durations depended on the driver’s profile – in particular the fact that he was a professional. However, not, but they were deemed too permissive by the authorities. For example, In Belgium, alcohol is an important factor in road accidents. Consequently, Figures from the Vias Institute show that about 10% of accidents With body damage involves a driver with a. Therefore, positive blood alcohol level. Moreover, For serious accidents, this percentage rises to 40%.

The Minister of Mobility, Jean-Luc Crucke (engaged), announced the abolition of these differentiated deadlines. Consequently, Now, any positive controlled motorist must have wait alcohol while driving: belgium requires twelve hours Before you can go back to the wheel. According to him. this change aims to send a clear message: “The one who drinks will no longer be able to hit the road on the same day,” he told the press which questioned him about this new measure. The return of the permit will only be possible after a new negative blood. an assessment of general sobriety by the police.

Better supervised controls – Alcohol while driving: belgium requires

Police forces salute the measure. A commissioner speaks of a logistical “headache” with current deadlines: some drivers had to wait two hours. others, some left alcohol while driving: belgium requires with the help of a loved one and others still remained there. This back and forth made the hardly managed controls.

With a single duration of 12 hours, the police will be able to centralize their efforts without having to juggle between dozens of different situations.

A strong message

For the VIAS Institute, this reform marks a turning point. For Stef Willems. organization spokesperson, current sanctions were too light To make an impression: “having to wait two or three hours does not change much in the perception of drivers”. On the other hand. a twelve -hour immobilization has a concrete impact on the personal organization, in particular in the event of professional or family trip.

Stef Willems also compares this new Belgian approach to that of alcohol while driving: belgium requires Scandinavian countries, where driving driving is perceived as a seriously reprehensible act. In Belgium, despite 47 .00 alcohol -related annual offenses (around 130 a day), temporary sanctions were still impression of a quick return to normal. In short, so the sanction was not really one.

Zero tolerance under study

Beyond the new period of withdrawal of the permit, Jean-Luc Crucke reaffirmed his attachment to a policy of Zero tolerance for alcohol driving. He believes that the total prohibition of alcohol consumption for drivers -. which already in force in eight European countries – would significantly strengthen safety on roads. A recent survey shows that 60% of Belgians are favorablea figure that climbs to 75% in people who believe. that a targeted alcohol while driving: belgium requires ban for young drivers would need.

However, zero tolerance does not appear in the current government agreement and opinions diverge within the majority. If Vooruit supports this orientation via a bill, the N-VA and the CD&V are more reserved. The debate is therefore animated and we should therefore not expect a total ban quickly.

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