Sleep apnea and driving in Belgium

Sleep Apnea and Driving in Belgium: Complete Regulations

Untreated sleep apnea is a recognized cause of drowsy driving. In Belgium, European regulations impose specific obligations on drivers suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea regarding their fitness to drive.

The information presented here is for informational purposes and is based on Belgian regulations in force (transposition of European Directive 2016/1106/EU). For questions about your personal situation, consult your doctor and the CARA (Centre for Road Safety Expertise).

Why is sleep apnea regulated for driving?

Daytime sleepiness caused by untreated sleep apnea multiplies the risk of road accidents by 3 to 7. European Directive 2016/1106/EU has integrated sleep apnea into driving fitness standards, and Belgium has transposed it into national regulations.

The two driving licence groups

Group 1 (licence B, A, AM): private vehicle drivers, motorcycles, mopeds. Concerns the vast majority of drivers.
Group 2 (licence C, CE, D, DE and sub-categories): professional drivers - trucks (≥ 3.5 tonnes), buses, coaches. Stricter standards.

Regulations for Group 1 (licence B - private drivers)

Mild apnea (AHI 5-15/h): generally no specific obligation if driver has no excessive daytime sleepiness.
Moderate to severe apnea (AHI ≥ 15/h) with sleepiness: doctor may declare driver temporarily unfit to drive until effective treatment is proven.
Under effective CPAP treatment: fitness to drive may be granted or maintained, subject to medical confirmation of treatment efficacy.

Regulations for Group 2 (professional licences C, D)

Diagnosis of moderate to severe apnea (AHI ≥ 15/h) with sleepiness results in temporary unfitness declaration.
Effective CPAP treatment mandatory: driver must demonstrate effective CPAP therapy with regular medical follow-up. Adequate compliance (generally ≥ 4h/night average) and controlled residual AHI are required.
Regular follow-up: fitness to drive granted for a limited period with periodic medical review.

Professional drivers (group 2) with untreated sleep apnea and documented sleepiness have a legal obligation to stop driving until effective treatment is proven.

The role of CPAP treatment

CPAP is the reference treatment for moderate to severe apnea. Effective treatment eliminates apneas and daytime sleepiness, allowing the driver to regain fitness to drive. CPAP data (residual AHI, compliance) may be required at medical reviews to prove treatment efficacy.

VivaRespire offers CPAP purchase (you own it), giving you full access to your own treatment data. The INAMI convention provides CPAP equipment through an approved center. For both options: CPAP reimbursement in Belgium.

Browse our Auto CPAP devices and CPAP masks.