In the Belgium cities of Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent there are environmental zones referred to as Low Emission Zones (LEZ) that have entry restrictions. Restriction not only applies to Belgium-registered vehicles but to foreign vehicles as well. That means if you plan on driving while visiting the country, your foreign car must be registered before entering any of these zones. You won't be allowed to enter these zones if your car does not meet certain emission criteria.
Buy vignetteThis comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at Belgium's low emission zones and their specific requirements.
As noted, there are three Belgium emission zones currently, two in Flanders (Antwerp and Ghent), and one in the Brussels-Capital Region which lies in the heart of the country. Keep in mind that an online registration authorizes your vehicle to enter the LEZ.
Belgium implements the EURO emission norm and occasionally considers the year of manufacture as a standard. Unfortunately, different cities have varying restrictions, so being permitted to access a LEZ in one city does not automatically grant access to an LEZ in another city.
The registration requirement is mandatory for vehicles with Belgium license plates and those from abroad. Tollwayr can register vehicles for users for a hassle-free experience.
Motorbikes, mopeds, scooters, and heavy goods vehicles are exempt from these requirements in 2024. From 2025, registration will be necessary for these vehicle categories. Currently, the regulations only affect cars, vans, minibusses, and coaches.
There is no adhesive vignette needed, however, there are rules that are important for you to be aware of before driving in Belgium. If you enter a low emission zone with an unauthorized vehicle a significant fine can be levied. A LEZ is a defined area in which certain types of vehicles are banned from entering except under specific conditions as they emit too much pollution.
Both the beginning and end of the LEZ in Antwerp, which includes the city center and an area on the left bank of the Scheldt, are well-marked. Watch for traffic signs with a vehicle emitting pollution encircled in red with "ZONE" written above. It includes the city center and part of the Linkeroever district between the E17, the Park & Ride Linkeroever, and the Sint-Annabos. More details on the Antwerp zone and a map can be found at Tollwayr.com.
Buy vignetteThe LEZ in Brussels includes the entire territory of the Brussels-Capital Region with 19 municipalities which can be seen on this map. All cars, vans weighing under 3.5 tons, minibusses, buses, and coaches must be authorized to enter. Heavy goods vehicles, motorbikes, scooters, and mopeds do not need to register before 2025.
In Brussels, the regulations for diesel vehicles will tighten in 2025, requiring compliance with Euro 6 standards. Additionally, in the same year, petrol vehicles must meet Euro 3 standards. Starting in 2030, diesel vehicles will be banned entirely, and by 2035, all petrol, LPG, and CNG vehicles will also be prohibited.
Buy vignetteThe Ghent LEZ is the area within the ring road. Only vehicles that meet the entry requirements are allowed to enter this environmental zone. The boundaries are defined by the R40 ring road that surrounds the city center, with the exception of the N422, the N430, and the B401. Note that if your vehicle is registered for Antwerp, it is also valid for driving in Ghent.
Buy vignetteAs mentioned, unlike the German and French zones, no vignettes are issued for the Belgium zones. In Germany, a green emissions sticker is necessary, and in France, a French Crit’ Air sticker is issued. Belgium only requires registration of your vehicle before entering a LEZ.
If your vehicle is not authorized, you will be levied a fine of at least €150 if you drive into any low emission zone. If it turns out that your vehicle is too old to legally drive into the zone, day passes are available at a cost of €35 for the Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent environmental zones.
The easiest way to register your vehicle is via Tollwayr.com. We have a decade of experience working with the Belgium environmental zones, helping many foreign nationals register their cars, to ensure they are authorized and fully compliant with Belgium regulations. It costs just €19.95 to take advantage of this hassle-free convenience, with 99% of our customers recommending our service on Trustpilot.
A confirmation of the registration will be sent to you by e-mail. Once it has been successfully completed and your vehicle is authorized, it will be eligible to drive in the zone for 5 years with one exception: if the regulations change, registration must be renewed.
There are multiple exemptions to Belgium's Low Emission Zones in addition to those mentioned previously such as heavy goods vehicles, motorbikes, scooters, etc. They include the following:
If you do not register your vehicle in advance, or it does not meet the legal requirements, you will be fined €350 in Brussels, and €150 in Antwerp and Ghent. The amount increases with repeated offenses.
Fines are monitored to ensure compliance by use of manual control methods and cameras 365 days a year. Note that if your car does not meet the requirements it is possible to purchase a day pass.