Drink-driving: Leuven and Halle-Vilvoorde Prosecutors Tighten Their Policy From This Friday
A new threshold for the immediate withdrawal of driving licences: what you need to know
1. Introduction
The Leuven and Halle-Vilvoorde Prosecutors’ Offices have announced the introduction of a new criminal policy regarding drink-driving. Starting this Friday, the threshold triggering the immediate withdrawal of a driving licence is being significantly reduced.
This signals an important shift in road-safety enforcement in the Flemish Brabant region.
2. What exactly is changing?
Until now, an immediate withdrawal applied only when a driver reached 0.50 mg/l of breath alcohol.
From now on, both prosecutors will apply a reduced threshold of 0.35 mg/l.
New threshold
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≥ 0.35 mg/l → immediate withdrawal of the driving licence (15 days).
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≥ 0.50 mg/l or repeat offence → mandatory appearance before the police court.
This limit, previously used only during awareness campaigns, is now permanent and enforced all year round.
3. Why introduce this measure?
The prosecutors emphasise a clear objective: reducing alcohol-related accidents in an area with dense traffic and frequent controls.
Road-safety studies show that drivers can already be significantly impaired from 0.20 mg/l, with reduced reflexes, narrowed vision, and diminished awareness.
Lowering the threshold allows authorities to intervene earlier and prevent drivers showing early signs of intoxication from taking the wheel.
4. Consequences for drivers
4.1. Between 0.35 mg/l and 0.50 mg/l
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Immediate withdrawal of the driving licence.
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No automatic prosecution for first-time offenders without prior convictions, but:
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In Leuven: option to complete an awareness training course.
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In Halle-Vilvoorde: possibility of an amicable settlement.
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4.2. From 0.50 mg/l or in case of repeat offence
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Mandatory appearance before the police court.
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Possible penalties:
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Fines up to €16,000
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Suspension from 8 days to 5 years
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Obligation to install an alcohol ignition interlock device
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Medical and psychological assessments, depending on seriousness and recurrence
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5. Increased controls & a clear policy shift
This measure follows a broader trend:
several other prosecutors — including Antwerp and Limburg — adopted the same 0.35 mg/l threshold earlier in 2025.
It reflects a progressive move towards a more uniform approach to drink-driving nationwide.
Recent enforcement figures remain worrying:
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Leuven: 244 police reports issued in a single summer campaign.
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Halle-Vilvoorde: around 150 assignments to the police court per campaign in previous years.
6. What this means for drivers
This reform calls for greater caution and increased awareness.
Even small amounts of alcohol can now lead to immediate consequences:
losing your licence on the spot, difficulty commuting to work, disruption to family life, and possibly a criminal record.
The prosecutors’ message is unambiguous:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence.
7. Conclusion
The policy shift in Leuven and Halle-Vilvoorde sends a strong signal.
The aim is not only to punish but to protect:
protect road users, protect drivers themselves, and reduce alcohol-related accidents sustainably.
The safest rule remains straightforward:
if you drink, don’t drive.
📞 Need advice?
If you have any questions or need personalised support with a road traffic matter, feel free to contact me — I will be happy to assist you.
