Noordanus AdvocatuurDriving under the influence

Driving under the influence

Driving under the influence is punishable under Article 8 of the Road Traffic Act 1994. This applies to driving a car, but also when riding a bicycle or moped/scooter. Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered illegal from a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 220 µg/l, which is approximately equivalent to consuming two glasses of alcohol.

After being apprehended, for example, through a roadside breath test conducted by the police, and being taken to the police station, you will undergo a breathalyzer test and, in some cases, a blood test. These tests are subject to various rules. A lawyer can verify whether these rules have been followed correctly.

Driving under the influence can result in severe penalties. For instance, fines in certain cases may also be accompanied by a conditional or unconditional driving ban. For example, if a BAC of more than 570 µg/l is determined, the LOVS guidelines for first-time offenders indicate that a fine should be combined with an unconditional driving ban of 6 months. This means that you are not allowed to drive for 6 months. Additionally, an irrevocable conviction for driving under the influence will result in a penalty point on your driver’s license. With two penalty points, your driver’s license will be automatically invalidated. This means that you will need to obtain your driver’s license again. This regulation should not be confused with a driver’s license for a novice driver; this regulation applies to everyone! Considering the above, it is advisable to have a lawyer accompany you to your hearing. Mr. Noordanus has handled many similar cases and can provide you with proper representation in court.