Traffic Law in Movies: When Hollywood Meets the Law in Belgium
In action movies, high-speed chases, reckless driving, and traffic violations are often central themes. From Fast & Furious to Baby Driver, Hollywood showcases scenes where drivers frequently break the law and miraculously avoid consequences. But what would happen if these scenes took place in real life, especially in Belgium, with its strict traffic laws? In this article, we will analyze some iconic movie scenes and compare them with the laws in force in our country.
1. High-Speed Chases: A Hollywood Dream That Derails in Belgium
In Fast & Furious, street races between modified cars are legendary. The drivers break speed limits and engage in reckless driving. But in Belgium, such behavior would be severely punished by law.
Belgian Traffic Law on Speeding: In Belgium, respecting speed limits is essential. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, sanctions may apply. For moderate speeding violations, a fine is typically imposed. However, for more significant violations (over 40 km/h above the speed limit), stricter penalties are in place, including driving bans, higher fines, and, in extreme cases, imprisonment.
Drivers may also be required to retake their theoretical and practical driving exams, as well as undergo a medical and psychological evaluation to assess their ability to drive safely.
2. Hit-and-Run: Hollywood vs. Belgian Reality
In Baby Driver, the main character is a talented driver but also a criminal on the run. When he is involved in an accident or a confrontation with the police, he hastily leaves the scene without worrying about the consequences.
Hit-and-Run in Belgium: Hit-and-run, or leaving the scene of an accident without providing necessary information or notifying the authorities, is severely punished in Belgium. If a driver leaves the scene without complying with the legal requirements, they face significant fines and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Serious accidents involving injuries or fatalities further increase the penalties.
In addition to criminal sanctions, the driver may be required to retake the driving exam and undergo a psychological and medical assessment. In the most severe cases, the vehicle can be confiscated.
3. Driving Under the Influence: When Alcohol and Drugs Lead to Disaster
In many films, characters drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, often without facing immediate consequences. But in Belgium, this behavior is strictly prohibited.
Traffic Law on Driving Under the Influence in Belgium: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in Belgium, and the penalties are particularly severe. If a driver is caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding the legal limit, or if illicit substances are detected in their system, they face a fine, a driving ban, and in extreme cases, imprisonment. Heavier penalties may be applied if there is a repeat offense or if the accident caused serious consequences.
Drivers under the influence may also be required to install an alcohol ignition interlock device in their vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if the alcohol or drug level is too high. Furthermore, a psychological and medical evaluation may be required before the driver can regain their driving privileges.
4. Heavily Modified Vehicles: A Cool Look, but Heavy Consequences
In Fast & Furious, cars are often spectacularly modified, with powerful engines and extravagant accessories. These modifications are a sign of strength and individuality in the film, but in Belgium, such modifications can lead to legal problems.
Traffic Law on Modified Vehicles in Belgium: In Belgium, any modification to a vehicle, whether it involves the engine, suspension systems, or other safety components, must be homologated to meet road safety standards. If a vehicle is illegally modified, the driver may face fines, a driving ban, and in some cases, the vehicle may be impounded.
Drivers of illegally modified vehicles can also be held responsible for accidents, and their civil liability can be engaged.
5. Additional Sanctions (Alcohol Ignition Interlock, Medical, and Psychological Assessments)
In Belgium, certain serious offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, may result in additional sanctions, including the installation of an alcohol ignition interlock device in the driver’s vehicle. This system prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver is under the influence.
Drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may also be required to undergo a psychological and medical assessment before they can regain their driving privileges.
Conclusion: Hollywood vs. Belgian Law
While action films like Fast & Furious or Baby Driver show characters escaping traffic laws, the Belgian reality is very different. Violations such as speeding, hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and vehicle modifications are harshly punished. Belgian traffic law provides for heavy penalties, including fines, driving bans, imprisonment, and the requirement to retake the driving exam, as well as medical and psychological evaluations. In Belgium, road safety is a priority, and the laws are designed to protect the lives of road users.
