Driving License Withdrawal in Belgium: Procedures, Appeals and Recovery

Since June 1, 2023, the rules have tightened. The 15-day immediate withdrawal now applies from 0.50 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled air (previously 0.65 mg/l), approximately 1.2‰ blood alcohol. Above 0.78 mg/l (1.8‰), withdrawal can range from 6 hours to 15 days depending on police and prosecutor assessment.

But alcohol isn't the only cause. Here are situations that systematically trigger immediate withdrawal:

• Speeding over 40 km/h on regular roads or 30 km/h in urban areas • Driving under drug influence (positive saliva test) • Hit and run after an accident • Driving despite an ongoing disqualification • Refusing a breathalyzer or drug test

For judicial disqualification, the police court mandatorily imposes this penalty for 4th degree offenses: speeding over 40 km/h, serious intoxication, repeat offense within 3 years.