Traffic rules · alcohol
Alcohol and driving: the limit for new drivers
For new drivers the alcohol limit is 0.2 per mille. In practice that means: do not drink if you are going to drive.
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The limits
| New driver | 0.2 per mille in your blood, or 88 micrograms per litre of exhaled air |
|---|---|
| Experienced driver | 0.5 per mille in your blood, or 220 micrograms per litre of exhaled air |
Who counts as a new driver?
If your car licence is your first licence, you count as a new driver (beginnend bestuurder) for 5 years. After that you are an experienced driver.
If you are over the limit
- The police test your breath at a check or after a collision. A positive breath test can be followed by a blood test at the station.
- The Public Prosecution Service can give you a fine or a prison sentence.
- Above 0.5 per mille as a new driver, or 0.8 per mille as an experienced driver, the CBR can order you to take an educational course.
- If you are convicted twice within 5 years, the second time with at least 1.3 per mille, your licence can be declared invalid.
Only time helps
Coffee, a shower or food do not sober you up faster. Your body breaks alcohol down slowly, and sleep does not speed it up. After an evening of drinking you can still be over the limit the next morning.
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