Toll roads in Belgium? How to buy a vignette in Belgium? Fines in Belgium? Parking in Belgium? Motorways in in Belgium? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Roads in Belgium
The length of the network of public roads in Belgium is 154,012 km, of which 1,763 km are motorways, 33,498 km are motorways and 120,514 km are local paved roads.
Toll Motorways in Belgium
There are no toll roads in Belgium.
There is no charge for the passage of motor vehicles of foreign countries on the roads of Belgium.
Tolls are charged only for traveling through individual sections.
Fares for traveling through the Liefkenshoek Tunnel
There is a toll to travel through the Liefkenshoek tunnel, which is located near Antwerp and is built under the river Scheldt. The Liefkenshoek tunnel is 1.37 km long and is part of the R2 ring road around Antwerp.
Tariffs are divided into 2 categories. Unlike most European countries, when determining the category, only the height of the vehicle is taken into account – up to 3 m and above. The exact height is measured electronically.
Other criteria (number of axles, length, weight or their combination) are not used to determine the category! Tariffs for 2024:
| TS | Category | Cash | Credit card | Telepass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (height < 3 m) (round the clock) | €7.00 | €4.00 | €5.60 | |
| Category 2 (height ≥ 3 m) (from 06:01 to 21:59) | € 22.00 | €16.00 | € 19.90 | |
| Category 2 (height ≥ 3 m) (from 22:00 to 06:00) [ 1 ] | €7.00 | €4.00 | €5.60 |
[1] From July 1, 2017.
The toll station has a total of 18 gates, 9 lanes in each direction (numbered 1 to 9).
Lanes 1 to 3 are intended for payment by credit card (indicated by a blue arrow). Cars equipped with the Telepass system can also use these lanes.
Lanes 4 to 5 are intended for cash payment (indicated by a green arrow).
Lanes 6 to 8 are intended for cars equipped with the Telepass system (indicated by a yellow arrow).
Payment methods
Cash
Payment is made upon entry. Euros are accepted in cash, and the following currencies are accepted: US Dollar, Danish Krone, Swedish Krona, Swiss Franc and British Pound Sterling. All currency is converted to Euro!
Credit cards
The following credit cards are accepted for payment:
- Visa
- Eurocard – Mastercard
- American Express
- Diners
Telepass system (electronic payment)
Payment is made automatically when passing through the gate.
Ecological zones (LEZ) in Belgium
LEZ stands for Low Emission Zone. This term is used to refer to a situation where polluting vehicles are not allowed to drive in that city or areas of that city. This is one of the measures taken in many European cities to improve air quality.
From January 1, 2018, the use of the most polluting vehicles in the Brussels LEZ is prohibited. This applies to passenger cars, minibuses ≤ 3.5 tons, as well as buses registered both in Belgium and abroad.
So far, the ban applies only to very old cars that meet the requirements of EURO-1 and below. But every year the requirements will increase.
To enter such a zone, it is necessary to register using an electronic form on the site . Registration is free and valid for 3 years.
If a vehicle enters a low-emission zone and has not been registered in advance, a fine of €150 may be imposed (even if the vehicle meets the conditions for access to the low-emission zone). Any inaccurate information provided during registration is subject to an administrative penalty of €25.
If the vehicle does not meet the environmental requirements, a one-day pass must be purchased to enter such a zone. The cost of the pass is €35 per day.
In addition to Brussels, there is a similar ecological zone in Antwerp.
Parking in Belgium
Parking is paid on most central streets in cities. After payment, you need to put the check under the windshield so that it is clearly visible from the outside.
On some streets, parking may be free but time-limited ( Blauwe zone ). In this case, it is necessary to put a blue cardboard clock under the windshield, on which the time of arrival is set. Blue watches can be purchased at gas stations, kiosks, and police stations.
Please be aware that temporary signs may be placed on the left of the road to indicate that the road must be clear for roadworks. Drivers who ignore this requirement risk that their car may be towed to a parking fine.
Some very busy streets may have a corresponding sign ( Axe Rouge / Ax Rode ), which means that parking is not allowed from 07:00 to 09:30 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
Motorcycles can be parked on the sidewalk in the city center if there is at least 1.50 meters of free space for pedestrians.
Road map of Belgium
The main traffic laws of Belgium
Speed limits in Belgium
Standard speed limits in Belgium (unless otherwise indicated on signs).Cars and motorcycles:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 90 km/h (70 km/h)
- on the road – 120 km/h
- on the freeway – 120 km/h
Cars with a trailer:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 90 km/h
- on the road – 120 km/h
- on the freeway – 120 km/h
The minimum permitted speed on the highway is 70 km/h.
Cars with studded tires can travel on the autobahn at a speed of no more than 90 km/h, and on other roads – no more than 60 km/h.
In the zone of operation of the sign “Residential zone” the speed of vehicles should not exceed 30 km/h.
Be careful – there are a lot of speed cameras in Flanders and on the approach to Brussels.
Current maximum speed limits on the roads of European countries for passenger cars.
Drinking alcohol while driving in Belgium
Maximum permissible blood alcohol level 0.49 ‰ .
If your blood alcohol level is between 0.5‰ and 0.79‰, you will be banned from driving for 3 hours and will be fined €150 on the spot. If you refuse to pay on the spot, you may be prosecuted and fined up to €3,000.
If 0.8‰ or more, driving will be prohibited for at least 6 hours, and an on-the-spot fine of €600 will be imposed. If you refuse to pay on-the-spot, you may be prosecuted and fined up to €12,000, as well as the suspension of your driver’s license for term up to 5 years.
If the driver’s experience is less than 2 years, then there is no penalty and you are automatically subject to prosecution.
Permissible blood alcohol content while driving a car in European countries.
The use of dipped beam headlights in Belgium
Low beam is not mandatory when driving during the day. Dipped beam should be turned on during the day in conditions of poor visibility.
In which European countries is it mandatory to use dipped beam headlights during the day?
Transportation of children in Belgium
Children under 12 years of age and less than 135 cm tall must be transported only in special seats. A child under the age of 3 cannot be transported in a car without a child seat.
Children from 3 to 8 years old can be transported on a motorcycle only in child restraints appropriate for their weight. They cannot be transported on a motorcycle with an engine capacity of more than 125 cm3 .
Transportation of children under 3 years of age on motorcycles is prohibited. This rule also applies to children who are transported in a stroller.
Fine – €50.
Requirements for the transportation of children in light vehicles on the roads of European countries.
The use of seat belts in Belgium
Use of seat belts mandatory for front and rear passengers.
Fine – €50.
Phoning
It is prohibited to use a telephone device in Belgium that is not equipped with a technical device that allows for hands-free conversations while driving.
Fine for using a mobile phone in Belgium from €100.
Fines for talking on the phone while driving in European countries.
Tinting
The degree of light transmission of the front and front side glass should be at least 70%.
The degree of light transmission is not regulated for the rear glass.
If the rear windshield is tinted, you must have a rearview mirror on the side opposite the driver’s side.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists are required to wear not only a helmet, but also gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, long pants or overalls. In addition, shoes or boots should protect the ankles.
Failure to comply with these rules will result in a fine of €50.
In case of traffic jams, motorcyclists are allowed to move between lanes. At the same time, their speed should not exceed 50 km/h, and the difference in speed with slowly moving or standing vehicles should not be more than 20 km/h.
Motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles are allowed to use traffic lanes intended for buses, except when prohibited by appropriate signs.
Motorcycles with sidecars are allowed to travel with a trailer if the sidecar wheel is equipped with brakes.
Fines in Belgium
Police officers in Belgium have the right to collect fines on the spot. The police officer must issue an official confirmation stating the amount of the fine. The motorist can refuse to pay the fine on the spot.
A foreign motorist who refuses to pay the fine on the spot may be asked to make a deposit. And if the deposit is not paid within 96 hours, the vehicle will be impounded by the police until it is paid. Fines can be paid in Euro cash (foreign drivers only), postal order or credit/debit card.
Traffic violations in Belgium are divided into 4 groups:
- I – punishable by a fine of € 50 when paid on the spot and from € 55 to 1,375 when the case is considered in court.
- ІІ – punishable by a fine of € 100 when paid on the spot and from € 110 to € 1,375 when the case is considered in court. At the same time, it is possible to revoke a driver’s license and to be disqualified from driving a car.
- III – punishable by a fine of €150 when paid on the spot and from €165 to €2,750 when the case is heard in court. At the same time, it is possible to revoke a driver’s license and to be disqualified from driving a car.
- IV – punishable by a fine of €300 (for foreign drivers only). For residents, the case is always considered in court and is punishable by a fine from €220 to €2,750.
Table of fines for traffic violations in Belgium:
| Violation | Group | Fine (EUR) * |
|---|---|---|
| Continuation of movement in the left lane after overtaking | I | 50 |
| Throwing garbage or other objects from the vehicle | II | 100 |
| Absence of signals at a significant decrease in speed | II | 100 |
| Failure to maintain a distance of 50 m outside populated areas | II | 100 |
| Failure to grant priority right of way to trams | II | 100 |
| Overtaking on the right | II | 100 |
| Stopping or parking on a sidewalk, crosswalk, or bike path | II | 100 |
| Disobedience to the orders of police officers | III | 150 |
| Failure to give priority in movement to pedestrians in the pedestrian zone | III | 150 |
| Lack of low beam headlights when visibility is less than 200 m | III | 150 |
| Disobeying traffic signs is prohibited or overtaking is prohibited | III | 150 |
| Violation of the rules of crossing a railway crossing | IV | 300 |
| U-turn, movement in reverse or in the opposite direction | IV | 300 |
| Stopping or parking at an intersection | IV | 300 |
* When paying on the spot.
On-the-spot fines are not charged if the offender is under 18 or 3 people are injured.Table of fines for speeding in Belgium:
| Speeding | ||
|---|---|---|
| up to 10 km/year | €50 | €50 |
| over 10 km/h | € 50 + € 10 for each additional 1 km/h | € 50 + € 5 for each additional 1 km/h |
Examples of calculating fines for speeding by 7 km/h:
in the settlement: €50 + (7 x €10) = €120
on the motorway: €50 + (7 x €5) = €85
Exceeding the speed by more than 20 km/h in the settlement and by more than 30 km/h outside its borders – deprivation of the driver’s license.
Exceeding the speed of more than 30 km/h in the settlement and more than 40 km/h outside its borders is mandatory removal from driving.
Useful information for drivers in Belgium
Fuel prices in Belgium
In Belgium, unleaded petrol (95 and 98) and diesel are available. There is no leaded gasoline. There are gas stations.
Official fuel prices are regulated by the government. The official price is the maximum allowed price set for petroleum products.
Official prices for all types of fuel as of 11/25/2023 :
- Super (95) – € 1.715
- Super Plus (98) – €1,919
- Diesel – € 1.870
- LPG – € 0.708
It is allowed to carry gasoline in canisters in a car while moving around the country, and it is prohibited when transporting on a ferry.
Changes compared to the previous period are shown. Update once every two weeks.
Emergency numbers in Belgium
- The European emergency number is 112
- Fire service – 100
- Police – 101
- Ambulance – 100
Mandatory equipment in the car in Belgium
Equipment that must be in the car:
- Reflective Vest – Drivers who stop in areas where stopping is prohibited are required to wear a reflective vest as soon as they leave their vehicle. The fine for non-compliance is € 50.
But the amount can be much higher (€ 60 – € 1,500) if the driver refuses to pay or in circumstances where the driver has to go to court (for example, in the event of an accident ). A reflective vest is mandatory for vehicles registered in Belgium.
Although the driver of a foreign vehicle will not be fined for not wearing a vest in the event of a police check, a fine may be imposed for not wearing a vest when leaving the car in case of its breakdown. - Emergency stop sign – not mandatory for motorcycles.
Requirements for the equipment that must be in the car in different European countries.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
The use of winter tires is not mandatory in Belgium, but is recommended from October 1st to April 30th in mountainous areas.
Studded tires
The use of tires is prohibited, but in exceptional cases (under difficult weather conditions) may be allowed from November 1 to March 31 for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.
Vehicles equipped with studded tires must have a “60” speed limit sticker on the rear. The speed limits for them are 90 km/h on highways and 60 km/h on normal roads.
Anti-slip chains
It is allowed to use snow chains only on roads covered with snow or ice.
Requirements for the use of winter and studded tires in different European countries.
Recommended equipment and other regulations in Belgium
A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are mandatory for vehicles registered in Belgium. For vehicles registered in other countries, it has an advisory nature.
A new road sign has been introduced that prohibits the use of cruise control on congested autobahns. Sometimes this sign is installed during road works on the autobahn.
The use of navigation software indicating the location of fixed speed cameras is allowed.
Most level crossings in Belgium are equipped with cameras. Crossing the crossing when it is prohibited, ie. the traffic light is red, can result in a fine of up to €2,750.
The use of radar detectors is prohibited . In case of violation, a fine of €75,000 or imprisonment from 15 days to 3 months. The device is confiscated.