If you want to enter a low-emission zone in Belgium, you must meet the emission standards implemented in the country. Moreover, if you have a foreign vehicle qualified to enter a low-emission zone, you must register to enter the respective area.
Here is a brief guide to help your travel in Belgium in low-emission zones without any hassle and while complying with the regulations.
Low Emission Zones In Belgium
Entry into a low-emission zone in Belgium is not allowed unless you meet the emission criteria. For this purpose, Belgium has implemented the EURO emission norm as a basic standard.
However, not all cities have the same restrictions, and if you are allowed entry in one zone, it does not mean you will be allowed to enter another zone in a different city.
Normally a low-emission zone will have a road sign displayed at the beginning of the zone. Unfortunately, these signs are usually small, and you might miss the sign if you are not looking carefully enough.
However, some cities have installed additional signs with helpful information, while others have referred to a website.
ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras have been installed to impose the low emission zones. The ANPR cameras read the number plates, and the information is verified via the database to ensure that the vehicle can enter the low-emission zone.
Hence, if you have a vehicle with a foreign license plate, you must get it registered within a defined time frame. If you do not register your car in time, you may be allowed to enter the zone if your vehicle meets the admission criteria, but a fine may be imposed.
If your car does not meet the emission standards, you will need to pay for an exemption for a single day, and it is limited to only a certain number of days in a year.
How To Register For Entering Belgium Low Emission Zone
Since the local databases do not have data on foreign vehicles, registering your vehicle once will have it added to the approved vehicle database. In addition, once registered, you can enter a low-emission zone for free.
The legal and useable registration of a foreign vehicle is based on the disclosed Euro emission norm, so you must check at the time of visiting if your vehicle is still sanctioned to enter the low emission zone, particularly when the standards are made more stringent in 2025 and 2027, respectively.
For instance, if you have a foreign vehicle with a Euro 6 diesel engine and you have registered to enter the low-emission zone in Antwerp, you do not need to register again even after the rules are tightened in 2025 and can enter the low-emission zone in the region until 31st August 2027.
Similarly, if your foreign vehicle has a Euro 3 petrol engine, you can enter the low emission zone based on your initial registration until 31st December 2027.
Registration For Brussels LEZ
Except for vehicles registered in the Netherlands, all foreign vehicles, including cars, vans (<3.5 tonnes), buses and coaches, must register to enter a low-emission zone in the Brussels region. The registration is valid for five years and is free. It applies to all 19 municipalities of the region.
You will need to register before entering the zone or the day after entering the zone. You can also register abroad before midnight on the day after crossing the low-emission zone.
For instance, if you enter the low emission zone on 4th November in your foreign registered vehicle, you have until midnight on 5th November to register. You will need your vehicle registration certificate to register.
Registration For Antwerp And Ghent LEZ
Except for vehicles registered in the Netherlands, all foreign vehicles, including cars, vans (<3.5 tonnes), buses and coaches, must register to enter a low-emission zone in Antwerp and Ghent.
The registration has unlimited validity and is free. However, it is also important to note that the registration is linked to the vehicle’s registration date.
If you register in Antwerp, it can be used in Ghent and vice versa, but it is not applicable in Brussels. Here are the entry requirements or criteria. You can register your vehicle until one day after entering the zone.
Is There A Fine For Not Registering For Entry Into A Low Emission Zone In Belgium?
If you do not register your vehicle for admission into a low-emission zone, you can be fined 150 to 300 euros.
If My Foreign Vehicle Is Registered To Enter A Low Emission Zone In Antwerp, Can I Use It To Enter Such A Zone In Brussels?
A foreign vehicle registered for entry in a low-emission zone in Antwerp can enter Ghent based on this registration. However, if you want to enter a low-emission zone in Brussels, you must register separately.
What Are The Registration Price And Validity For Admission To A Low Emission Zone?
Registration for entering a low-emission zone is free and has unlimited validity in Antwerp and Ghent, but for Brussels, the validity period is 5 years.
What To Do If My Vehicle’s Number Plate Or Registration Details Change?
If you sell your vehicle or there is a change in details, you will need to re-register with the new details.
