Blood Alcohol Limits in the Netherlands
Experienced Drivers
- Maximum: 0.5 promille (0.05%)
- Breath test: 220 µg/L
Beginning Drivers
- Maximum: 0.2 promille (0.02%)
- Applies for first 5 years after getting license
- Effectively zero tolerance
- Also applies to moped riders
Penalties
0.5-0.8 promille
- Fine: €350-€400
- No points system in Netherlands
- Possible driving course required
0.8-1.3 promille
- Fine: €600-€850
- License confiscation
- Possible criminal record
Over 1.3 promille
- Court case
- Fine up to €9,000
- License revocation
- Possible imprisonment
Beginning Driver Violations
- Stricter penalties
- Automatic license review
- May need to retake driving test
Important Notes
- Police conduct random roadside checks
- Refusing test = criminal offense
- CBR (driving license authority) may require medical examination
- EMA (alcohol lock program) possible for repeat offenders