Alcohol and drugs

Fact: drinking 3 glasses of alcohol increases the risk of an accident by 100 percent.

Approximately 15 percent of all casualties in traffic are caused by drink-driving. This means that every year alcohol causes 150 - 200 deaths in traffic and 3,000 4,000 hospitalised.

This is why the police and the Public Prosecution Service pointedly check for drink-drivers. Dutch law states that it is forbidden to drive any vehicle (including a bicycle or moped) while under the influence of a substance from which you could suspect that it (negatively) influences your driving skills. This includes alcohol, drugs and medication. Driving while under the influences of a substance is a misdemeanor. Punishment for this can vary from a temporary driving ban to large fines or prison sentences or a permanent driving ban.

Alcohol
It is prohibited to drive a vehicle if the percentage of alcohol in your blood exceeds 0,5 (circa 2 glasses), however it is better be completely sober while driving a vehicle. If you are stopped by the police for an alcohol check, you have an obligation to cooperate. If you refuse to cooperate, your driving license will be taken in custody. The punishment for drink driving varies from a fine of at least 250,- to some years in prison, as well as a driving ban for a maximum of 5 years (10 years for repeat drink-drivers).

Drugs
The use of drugs in traffic is absolutely prohibited. This includes all hard drugs and soft drugs including party drugs like XTC and amphetamine. Drug use can be proven by a blood or urine test which you have an obligation to take if a police officer suspects you of driving while on drugs. The punishment varies from a 3 month prison sentence or a fine of 4,500,- to possibly a driving ban for a maximum of 5 years (10 years for repeat offenders).

Medication
Some medical drugs can influence your ability to drive. For instance relaxation drugs like valerian pills or sleeping pills can slow your reaction speed. Other dangerous medication includes muscle relaxants and allergy medication. You can recognize these drugs by a yellow warning sticker on the packaging. Some medicines will take up to 48 hours to get out of your system.

Medication without a yellow warning sticker, when used in higher dosages or in combination with alcohol, can also affect your ability to drive. This is especially so with painkillers. Therefore you should always read the instruction leaflet or consult with a doctor.