Fines for drunk driving vary according to the detected blood alcohol concentration, with several possible options: immediate payment, settlement, or court summons.
What do different blood alcohol levels correspond to?
The amount of alcohol in the blood, measured in grams per liter (g/l) or milligrams per liter of breath (mg/l), depends on several factors, including the type of alcoholic drink, the amount consumed, body weight, gender, age, and the rate of consumption. However, general estimates can help understand the relationship between alcohol consumption and blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Here are approximate estimates for an average adult (a man weighing 75 kg or a woman weighing 60 kg):
- 0.22 mg/l of breath (approximately 0.5 g/l of blood): This corresponds to about one unit of alcohol. One unit of alcohol is approximately equivalent to:
- A glass of beer (250 ml, 5%)
- A glass of wine (100 ml, 12%)
- A shot of spirits (30 ml, 40%)
- 0.35 mg/l of breath (approximately 0.8 g/l of blood): this corresponds to about 1.5 to 2 units of alcohol.
- 0.44 mg/l of breath (approximately 1 g/l of blood): this corresponds to about 2 to 2.5 units of alcohol.
- 0.50 mg/l of breath (approximately 1.15 g/l of blood): this corresponds to about 2.5 to 3 units of alcohol.
These values are approximate. Alcohol tolerance can vary significantly from person to person depending on various factors such as health, metabolism, diet, and water intake. It is always advisable to drink alcohol in moderation and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
Immediate payment fine
Immediate payment is a fine that the police can impose on the spot. It is generally used for less severe blood alcohol levels. Here are the details:
- Blood alcohol level between 0.22 and 0.35 mg/l: €179
- Blood alcohol level between 0.35 and 0.44 mg/l: €420. A settlement or court summons may also be considered. The driver’s license may be immediately revoked for 15 days.
- Blood alcohol level between 0.44 and 0.50 mg/l: €578. A settlement or court summons may also be considered. The driver’s license may be immediately revoked for 15 days.
- Blood alcohol level above 0.50 mg/l: the driver residing in Belgium is no longer eligible for an immediate fine. The prosecutor may propose a settlement or a court summons will be issued.
Settlement fine
A settlement is an amicable resolution proposed by the prosecutor to the offender. It is generally offered in cases where the blood alcohol level is moderately high but does not require an immediate court summons:
- Blood alcohol level between 0.22 and 0.35 mg/l: €240
- Blood alcohol level between 0.35 and 0.44 mg/l: €600
- Blood alcohol level between 0.44 and 0.50 mg/l: €800
- For higher blood alcohol levels, a court summons is necessary.
Fines and sanctions for Court summons
A court summons is reserved for the most serious cases or when the blood alcohol level is very high. The penalties are then more severe and may include high fines and prison sentences.
- Blood alcohol level between 0.22 to 0.35 mg/l: fine ranging from €200 to €4,000 (doubled in case of a repeat offense within three years).
- Blood alcohol level of at least 0.35 mg/l: fine ranging from €1,600 to €16,000. In case of a repeat offense within three years, the fine can reach €3,000 to €40,000 and/or a prison sentence of one month to two years. Another repeat offense within three years after the second conviction can double these penalties.
The judge may also impose a driving ban for a period ranging from eight days to five years.