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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

Belgium Bans Driving Under the Influence of Ketamine

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgium's federal parliament has approved a law explicitly prohibiting driving under the influence of ketamine.
  • Previously, drivers under the influence could only be penalized under the general 'drunkenness' category, but ketamine will now have its own specific prohibition alongside cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines.
  • The new law aims to enhance road safety, though police face challenges in detecting ketamine impairment, prompting calls for updated testing equipment.

In a significant move to bolster road safety, the Belgian federal parliament has officially outlawed driving under the influence of ketamine. This legislative update, championed by Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke, addresses the growing concern over the recreational use of this anesthetic drug and its potential dangers on the road.

Until now, law enforcement struggled to specifically penalize ketamine-impaired drivers, often resorting to the broader charge of 'drunkenness.' The new amendment rectifies this by adding ketamine to the list of explicitly prohibited substances, which already includes cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. This explicit prohibition provides a clearer legal framework and strengthens the hand of authorities in prosecuting such offenses.

the increasing use of ketamine is worrying and emphasizes how driving under the influence poses a danger to road safety and claims victims every year.

· Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc CruckeMinister Crucke explained the rationale behind the new law, citing the rising concern over ketamine use and its impact on road safety.

Minister Crucke highlighted the 'worrying' increase in ketamine use and stressed the inherent risks associated with driving while impaired, which tragically claims lives each year. The law is a crucial step, but its effectiveness hinges on the ability of police to accurately detect ketamine's effects. Currently, officers often rely on visible signs of intoxication, which can be challenging. The Vias Institute for Road Safety is advocating for the acquisition of new, specialized saliva tests that can immediately detect ketamine, thereby increasing the chances of apprehension and deterring potential offenders.

While the legal prohibition is a vital first step, the practical implementation requires further action. The Ministry of Justice is expected to specify the requirements for the new testing equipment, paving the way for procurement. The availability of validated international testing methods offers a promising solution, enabling police to act more swiftly and effectively on the ground. This legislative and technological push signifies Belgium's commitment to adapting its traffic laws and enforcement capabilities to address emerging drug-related risks.

Internationally, validated tests already exist that can immediately detect ketamine.

· Vias, the Institute for Road SafetyThe Vias Institute highlighted the availability of advanced testing methods that could significantly improve enforcement.
About this summary

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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