From 1 July 2026, two major changes in traffic law will apply in Belgium: driving bans following a positive alcohol test will henceforth always last for 12 hours, and traffic fines for the most common offences will increase by 10%. Both changes have already been processed in the RAPP app.
In this article, we outline the changes concretely — what is changing, what it means for the category B theory exam and how RAPP prepares you for the current regulations.
Change 1: driving ban after alcohol test always 12 hours from 1 July 2026
Until now, the duration of a temporary driving ban after a positive alcohol test varied depending on the alcohol level and the type of driver: 2, 3, 6 or 12 hours. That system has been abolished.
From 1 July 2026, a fixed rule applies: anyone who has a blood alcohol concentration above the permitted limit during a check will always receive a 12-hour driving ban. This is stated in an amendment to the law published in the Belgian Official Gazette.
The new rule in detail As soon as a driver is found to have an alcohol level above the legal limit, their driving licence is suspended for 12 hours — regardless of the level of alcohol concentration or the type of driver. Only when you can present a negative breath test after those 12 hours and no longer show signs of intoxication are you allowed to drive again. The measure serves as a "strong signal that driving under the influence of alcohol will no longer be tolerated", according to the Federal Public Service Mobility. |
What changes for the category B theory exam? The consequences of driving under the influence are a fixed category on the exam. The new fixed duration of a 12-hour driving ban is now the correct rule — the variable duration (2/3/6 hours) is no longer valid.
Change 2: traffic fines increase by 10% from 1 July 2026
In addition to the alcohol measure, all immediate collections (on-the-spot fines) for traffic offences will increase by approximately 10% from 1 July 2026. On-the-spot fines are fines that are directly imposed and paid — without the intervention of a judge. These concern the most common offences.
On top of the fine itself, there will also be an administrative surcharge of 10.67 euros (2026 rate). Criminal fines imposed by the police court will rise by 25% — but these only apply to the most serious offences that go to court.
What this means for the category B theory exam The exact amounts of traffic fines do not literally appear in exam questions. What is tested is: the gradations of offences (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree) and the principle that serious offences are punished more severely. The higher fines confirm that offences such as mobile phone use, ignoring seat belts and drink driving are considered 2nd and 3rd-degree offences — precisely what you need to know for the exam. |
The 4 degrees of traffic offences: what the theory exam tests
The category B theory exam does not test the exact fine amounts, but rather the classification by degrees and the consequences. This overview remains unchanged after the fine increase:
Degree | Examples | Consequences |
1st degree | Minor speeding offence, parking violation | Immediate collection — payment is sufficient |
2nd degree | Driving without a seat belt, minor speeding offence | Immediate collection, higher fine |
3rd degree | Mobile phone use behind the wheel, ignoring overtaking ban | Immediate collection or summons |
4th degree | Severe driving under the influence, dangerous driving behaviour, red light violation | Always a summons, high fine, driving ban |
Serious offences on the theory exam: 5 points per mistake On the category B theory exam, there are 5 questions that count as serious offences: a mistake costs 5 points. Two serious mistakes = immediate fail, even if the rest was perfect. Those serious offences heavily overlap with the 4th degree: jumping a red light, crossing a continuous white line, speeding offences, police orders and other 3rd and 4th-degree violations. |
Already processed in RAPP
Both changes have been processed in the RAPP app:
• Driving ban after alcohol test: The new fixed duration of 12 hours is the correct rule in all exam questions about driving under the influence. The variable duration (2/3/6 hours) is no longer applicable.
• Gradations and consequences: The classification by degrees and the fundamental consequences of offences have been updated in accordance with the new legislation.
• Up-to-date theory: RAPP actively updates the study material when laws change — so you always practice on the most current regulations for the Belgian GOCA exam.
Practice with the most up-to-date regulations via RAPP RAPP actively keeps the study material for the category B theory exam up-to-date. Start for free, 9.99 for 14 days of full access — including a free printable PDF of the full theory, 15-second mock exams and the hazard perception test. No subscription. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is changing in Belgian traffic law on 1 July 2026? Two changes: (1) driving bans following a positive alcohol test will henceforth always last 12 hours — the variable duration of 2, 3 or 6 hours is abolished. (2) All immediate collections (on-the-spot fines) for traffic offences will increase by approximately 10%. |
How long is the driving ban after a positive alcohol test from 1 July 2026? Always 12 hours — regardless of the blood alcohol concentration or the type of driver. You are only allowed to drive again after 12 hours and after a negative breath test showing no signs of intoxication. This is stated in an amendment to the law published in the Belgian Official Gazette. |
By how much will traffic fines increase in Belgium from 1 July 2026? Immediate collections (fines without a judge) will rise by approximately 10%. Examples: speeding in a zone 50 from 68 to 74 euros, mobile phone use behind the wheel from 182 to 201 euros, driving without a seat belt from 126 to 138 euros. Criminal fines via the police court will rise by 25%. |
Do you need to know the new fine amounts for the category B theory exam? The exact amounts are not tested on the exam. What is tested: the classification by degrees (1st to 4th degree), the consequences per degree and the principle that serious mistakes on the exam cost 5 points. Two serious mistakes = immediate fail. |
Is the new 12-hour rule for driving bans already processed in RAPP? Yes. The new fixed duration of a 12-hour driving ban after a positive alcohol test is processed in the RAPP app. The variable duration (2/3/6 hours) is no longer the correct rule. RAPP actively updates the study material when laws change. |
Read also
• How many mistakes are you allowed to make on the category B theory exam?
• How do you pass your category B theory exam first time?
• Speed limits in Belgium for driving licence category B: full overview per region
Written by Daan Van Isterdael, co-founder of RAPP. He built the platform that helps more than 10,000 Belgian candidates pass their driving licence test.