The new government is drawing up a LEZ framework that is due to come into force from 2027. This is based on three pillars - an annual pass costing €350, a social tariff of €200 for low earners and a monthly fine of €80. Brussels is taking its cue from the LEZ models in Ghent and Antwerp. There is support for the proposal to introduce the annual pass at €350 from next week, but there is still no agreement on which vulnerable groups should be excluded from paying.
The question now is what the new transitional phase will look like. There is a possible transitional period between 1 April and the end of the year, but consensus is yet to be reached on the details.
A proposal whereby owners of the affected vehicles will not pay a fine from 1 April, but will instead pay a one-off sum of €350 to be able to drive around Brussels without worry for the rest of the year, has been put forward. The governing parties are more or less in agreement on that principle.
In the meantime, De Smedt indicated that no fines will be issued until a legal framework is in place. Its implementation will be preceded by an awareness campaign.
Check also this page for updates.
Q&A:
A fine – in which cases?
Any vehicle owner or driver of a vehicle driving in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without meeting access conditions can receive a fine in the following cases:The non-compliant vehicle does not have a valid day pass for the day it rides into Brussels.The non-compliant vehicle does not have a valid exemption.The foreign vehicle is not registered, even if it complies with the LEZ standards.
Important: only one fine can be issued per vehicle every three months—up to 4 fines per year.
How much is the fine?
- €350 For a non-compliant vehicle entering the LEZ without a valid day pass or exemption.
- €150 For a foreign vehicle (even compliant) that is not registered.
- €25 For providing incorrect information when registering a vehicle.