Further Information
Introduction (goal, intention, purpose)
In the course of the implementation of European directives, the Belgian government has, since the end of 2015, created the framework conditions that allow cities and municipalities or regions of the country to set up environmental zones so that the pollution limits for citizens prescribed by the EU are not exceeded.
The LEZs are defined by the respective cities and municipalities or regions within their borders and allow driving only with prior registration of the vehicle.
It should be noted that vehicles registered in Belgium do not have to register because they are already registered in the national database. Dutch vehicles in the Flemish Region are also exempt from registration. Since 2019, Dutch vehicles do not have to be registered in the LEZ-Brussels either.
Legal basis
The framework conditions for the introduction of LEZ environmental zones in the Brussels region have been set up since the beginning of January 2018.
They are based on a decree of 25.01.2018 which came into force on 02.02.2018.
The decree essentially stipulates that a “zone de basses émissions” (LEZ environmental zone) is to be established in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Features (appearance, description)
The registration for Brussels is completely digital. The registration number is entered into a database with any data on the particulate filter, so that the cameras can detect a positive match. Since the cameras are used to match the number plate, there is no need to stick anything to the windscreen or similar. As soon as the confirmation of registration has been received, it is possible to enter the environmental zones. The confirmation does not have to be carried in the vehicle.
Cities
The following cities have one or more low emission zones and registration is mandatory:
Affected vehicles
The following vehicles are affected by the Brussels low emission zones and require registration on entry:
car, minibus (M2), coach (M3), van (N1)
Not affected are trucks (N2-N3), motorcycles such as motorbikes or agricultural and forestry machinery. Motor caravans, vintage cars over 30 years and fairground vehicles are also excluded. However, they must first "register" for the exemption.
Which stickers / registration do I get? (classification)
To gain access to the low emission zone, the minimum standard for diesel of Euro 5 and petrol Euro 2 must be met.
Penalties (fines)
In Belgium, the check of an authorised entry in a LEZ environmental zone (Low Emission Zone) is not only carried out by the police but, above all, by intelligent cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition = ANPR).
These fixed and mobile cameras capture each vehicle registration number and match it with a central database. If the vehicle owner has not registered its car for the LEZ (Low Emission Zones) zones in Belgium before entering, he will receive a fine notice of 150 euros from the respective authorities.
Important to know for foreigners:
From a fine of 70 euros or more, according to EU Directive 2011/82 of 25.10.2011 "to facilitate the cross-border exchange of information on traffic offences which jeopardise road safety", if the fine is not paid, enforcement proceedings will take place in the home country and will continue until the prison sentence is passed.
Exemptions
General exceptions
Vehicles belonging to the armed forces, the police and the emergency and rescue services, motor caravans, vintage cars more than 30 years old and fairground vehicles are also excluded. However, they must still "register" in advance to obtain an exemption.
Vehicles registered in Belgium and the Netherlands do not require separate registration as they are already automatically registered through the country's central registers.
Individual exceptions
Affected vehicles which do not meet the required Euro standards or which fall under the general exceptions can purchase a so-called environmental ticket up to 8 times a year. This allows the entry for up to 24 hours, even if the vehicle is too old.
FAQ
How long is my registration valid?
Unless the engine or the exhaust emission standard of the vehicle or the registration number changes, the registration is valid for 5 years. This means that a new registration does not have to be made every year. It is possible that in the future the access restrictions will be tightened. In this case, the registration expires if the required Euronorm can no longer be met. When, who and for how long is allowed to enter, you will find under the point "Which stickers/ registration do I get (classification)".
Do I have to carry the confirmation with me?
The registration for Brussels is completely digital. The license plate is entered into a database with possible data on the particulate filter, so that the cameras detect a positive match. Since the matching of the number plate is done by the cameras, nothing has to be stuck to the windscreen or similar. As soon as the confirmation of registration has been received, the low emission zones can be entered. It is also not necessary to carry the operation in the vehicle. The registration even has a 24 hour retroactive effect.
What happens if my license plate changes?
As soon as the registration number is changed, e.g. by moving house, a new registration must be made.
Is the registration also valid for other low emission zones?
The registration is only valid for low emission zone in Brussels.
For other environmental zones in Belgium, a separate registration must be made.