🚗 Tom Waes Convicted for Drunk Driving: A Strong Message from the Antwerp Police Court
On Monday, 26 May 2025, the Antwerp police court delivered its verdict in the case against Flemish actor and television presenter Tom Waes, following a serious road incident in November 2024 in the Kennedy Tunnel in Antwerp.
⚖️ The Charges
Tom Waes was found guilty of several traffic offences:
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Driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 2.44 ‰ — nearly five times the legal limit.
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Failing to wear a seatbelt.
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Colliding with a road safety device (crash attenuator) while a road worker was present.
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Repeat offender: ten previous convictions between 2003 and 2022, including one for drunk driving.
🧑⚖️ The Court’s Ruling
The court imposed the following sanctions:
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A three-month driving ban, with one month suspended for three years.
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Mandatory installation of an alcohol ignition interlock device (alcoholslot) for one year.
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A fine of €2,560.
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Obligation to retake both the theoretical and practical driving tests, as well as medical and psychological assessments.
The judge stressed the seriousness of the offences and the danger such behaviour poses to all road users. The defendant’s history of repeat offences was taken as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
🤝 Reactions and Outlook
Although Tom Waes did not attend the hearing, his lawyer confirmed that he accepts the judgment and will not appeal.
The court noted Mr. Waes’s willingness to engage with a road safety victims’ organisation, although this had no impact on the severity of the sentence.
🧭 Legal Insight
This case is a clear example of how strictly Belgian traffic law deals with driving under the influence, especially in cases of repeat offences. The mandatory alcohol interlock device is a preventive measure aimed at reducing the risk of reoffending and reinforces the message that road safety is paramount.
If you have questions about traffic offences or need legal assistance before the police court, feel free to contact me. My expertise in traffic law is at your service.
