Alcohol controlFlanders
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Flanders. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
248. Alcohol control
An alcohol control is a roadside check used to determine whether a driver has consumed alcohol and whether the legal alcohol limit has been exceeded. Police may use a screening device, breath test, breath analysis or, in some situations, a blood test. The exact procedure and legal limits vary between countries. Drivers must normally cooperate with authorised testing, and refusing a lawful alcohol test can itself lead to penalties.
Can the police require any driver to take an alcohol test in Belgium?
Yes. Police can require a breath test from anyone driving on a public road, anyone preparing to drive, a person accompanying a learner driver and people who may have been involved in a traffic accident.
How does an alcohol control work in Belgium?
Police may first use an alcohol-detection device or breath test. When the breath test reaches the applicable legal threshold, a more precise breath analysis is carried out to measure the alcohol concentration.
When is a breath analysis required in Belgium?
For ordinary drivers, a breath analysis is carried out when the breath test indicates at least 0.22 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled alveolar air. For drivers subject to the stricter professional limit, the threshold is 0.09 mg/l.

Traffic rules
Flanders