2025 Netherlands BAC Laws - Legal Limits & Drink-Driving Penalties
Netherlands BAC limits: 0.05% for general drivers; 0.02% for novice drivers and certain moped riders. Enforcement and rehabilitation courses (LEMA/EMA).
Netherlands Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits
0.05%General drivers (0.5 g/L)
Last Updated: 2025
Dutch Road Traffic Act and Regulations
Wegenverkeerswet (Road Traffic Act)
Sets 0.5 g/L for general drivers and 0.2 g/L for novice drivers (or 0.02% BAC). Police conduct regular checks; penalties scale with BAC.
Novice limit (0.2 g/L)
Applies to holders with <5 years experience and young moped/scooter riders.
Courses
LEMA/EMA educational measures may be imposed on offenders.
Penalties and Measures
| Category | Key measures |
|---|---|
| Standard offences (≥0.05%) | Fines scaled by BAC thresholds / Licence suspension possible / LEMA/EMA educational measures |
| Novice violations (≥0.02%) | Immediate sanctions and stricter measures for young/novice drivers / Course obligations and licence measures |
Standard offences (≥0.05%)
- Fines scaled by BAC thresholds
- Licence suspension possible
- LEMA/EMA educational measures
Novice violations (≥0.02%)
- Immediate sanctions and stricter measures for young/novice drivers
- Course obligations and licence measures
Additional Information
Campaigns
The BOB designated driver campaign supports enforcement and prevention.