Belgium

Fines for speeding in Belgium

  • Up to 10 km/h over the limit: €53 fine.
  • More than 10 km/h over the limit: €53 plus €11 for each additional km/h exceeded in urban areas and €6 for each additional km/h exceeded on other roads.

Additional Measures:

  • Serious Offenses: Exceeding speed limits by more than 30 km/h in urban areas or more than 40 km/h outside urban areas can lead to a fine ranging from €80 to €4,000 and a driving disqualification of 8 days to 5 years.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Belgium, the vignette system is not required for most vehicles, but specific rules apply depending on the vehicle type and the roads you use. Here’s a detailed summary:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • Private Passenger Cars: No vignette required for driving on Belgian roads, including motorways and expressways.
  • Heavy Vehicles (Over 3.5 Tons): Must register and pay for the Viapass Kilometer Toll System.
  • Foreign Vehicles: Same rules apply as for domestic vehicles—no vignette is required for private cars.

2. Toll Roads

Belgium does not have a general vignette or toll system for cars, but there are specific tolls for certain roads and infrastructure:

  • Liefkenshoek Tunnel (near Antwerp): This tunnel has a toll that applies to all vehicles. Payment is made directly at the tunnel or via an electronic payment system.

3. Environmental Zones (LEZ – Low Emission Zones)

While there’s no vignette, many cities in Belgium, like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, have Low Emission Zones (LEZ):

  • Vehicles must meet specific emissions standards to enter these zones.
  • Foreign vehicles must be registered online before entering a LEZ.
  • Non-compliant vehicles face fines ranging from €150 to €350.

4. Where to Register for LEZ

5. Heavy Vehicle Toll (Viapass)

  • Heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tons must pay tolls through the Viapass Kilometer Charging System.
  • This is an electronic system that requires installing an On-Board Unit (OBU) in the vehicle.
  • Toll rates depend on vehicle weight, emissions class, and distance traveled.

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Entering a Low Emission Zone without registering or meeting standards: Fine of €150-€350.
  • Using roads without proper Viapass registration (for heavy vehicles): Significant fines or penalties.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • For Cars: No vignette needed, but be aware of LEZ regulations in cities.
  • For Heavy Vehicles: Ensure you’re registered for the Viapass toll system and have the required On-Board Unit.
  • For Tunnel Toll: Carry cash or a payment card for specific tolls like the Liefkenshoek Tunnel.