Alcohol limit for drivers in the Netherlands: 0.5 and 0.2 per mille
In the Netherlands you may not drive with more than 0.5 per mille of alcohol in your blood, about 2 glasses according to the Dutch government. For novice drivers the limit is 0.2 per mille: if a car licence is your first licence, you are a novice driver for 5 years. Above the limit you risk a fine or a prison sentence, and the CBR can order a course or take action on your licence.
Who counts as a novice driver
When a car licence is your first licence, you are a novice driver (beginnend bestuurder) for 5 years, whatever your age. Your licence is a novice licence for that period. You count as an experienced driver once you have held your licence for more than 5 years.
The limits
| Driver | Limit | CBR can order a course from |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced driver | 0.5 per mille | more than 0.8 per mille |
| Novice driver (first 5 years) | 0.2 per mille | more than 0.5 per mille |
| Cyclist | 0.5 per mille | Not applicable |
The 0.2 limit only applies to a motor vehicle you need a licence for. On a bicycle the limit is always 0.5 per mille.
What happens if you are over the limit
The police test with a breath test at a check or after an accident; the result decides whether you go to the police station for a more precise test. Above the limit the Public Prosecution Service can give you a fine and/or a prison sentence, and the police report you to the CBR. The CBR can then order an educational course: the light course (LEMA) costs €857,00, the full course (EMA) €1.197,00, and you pay it yourself. After 2 convictions for drink-driving within 5 years, the second at 1.3 per mille or more, you lose your licence.
On the theory exam
Alcohol limits come up on the exam, and so does the difference between novice and experienced drivers. Know both numbers and who counts as a novice. Other rules worth learning: speed limits in the Netherlands and priority rules.
There is no reliable way to know when you are under the limit. Coffee, food or fresh air do not lower your blood alcohol; only time does. If you are going to drive, do not drink.
Frequently asked questions
What is the alcohol limit for drivers in the Netherlands?
0.5 per mille in your blood for experienced drivers, and 0.2 per mille for novice drivers in the first 5 years after their first licence.
How many drinks is 0.5 per mille?
The Dutch government puts it at about 2 glasses, but it depends on your body, what you ate and how fast you drank. The only safe amount when you drive is none.
Does the 0.2 limit apply to cyclists?
No. Cyclists always have a 0.5 per mille limit, even if they recently got a driving licence.
What happens above the limit?
A fine or even a prison sentence from the Public Prosecution Service, and the police report you to the CBR. Above 0.8 per mille (0.5 for novice drivers) the CBR can order an educational course, which you pay yourself.
Can I lose my licence for drink-driving?
Yes. Among other things, you lose it after 2 convictions for drink-driving within 5 years, if the second one was at 1.3 per mille or more.
Sources, checked on 8 October 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.