Brussels LEZ: 350 Euro Fines Begin for Older Diesel Cars

New Low Emission Zone (LEZ) restrictions took effect in Brussels on July 1, 2026, ending a prolonged period of political uncertainty. Drivers of Euro 5 diesel vehicles and Euro 2 petrol cars now face a 350 euro fine if they enter the Brussels-Capital Region without a valid pass, as La Libre Belgique reported.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The new enforcement targets two categories of vehicles: diesel cars registered before September 2015 (Euro 5 standard) and petrol vehicles registered before January 2001 (Euro 2 standard). Motorcycles and scooters below the Euro 3 standard have also been banned since early 2026. The restrictions apply across the entire Brussels-Capital Region, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though the Ring road (R0) is excluded.

How the Fine Works

A key nuance of the new system is that the 350 euro fine functions as a one-time annual penalty rather than a recurring charge. Drivers can be fined only once per year for the same vehicle, meaning that after paying the penalty, the vehicle may continue to enter the LEZ for the remainder of the calendar year without additional fines. This unusual structure reflects the political compromise reached within the Brussels government.

According to RTBF, the system also offers alternatives: drivers can purchase a daily pass for 35 euros, available up to 24 times per year. Those who enter the zone by mistake have until the following day to purchase a pass and avoid the fine.

Enforcement and Background

The LEZ has been a highly contentious political issue in Brussels. Fines were suspended multiple times since summer 2024 amid political deadlock in the Brussels government, which went 541 days without a functioning administration. The current government, led by Minister-President Boris Dilliès (MR), reached a broader political deal on June 18 that helped unlock the LEZ impasse.

Enforcement is carried out via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at every entry point to the Brussels region. Brussels Minister of Finance Dirk De Smedt (Anders) confirmed that affected drivers can be fined regardless of whether they come from Brussels, Wallonia, or Flanders, as Bruxelles Today reported. Approximately 12,000 warning letters were sent to affected vehicle owners in May 2026.

Foreign Drivers Face Additional Requirements

Drivers with foreign license plates must complete a mandatory free online registration, valid for five years. Failure to register results in a 150 euro fine even if the vehicle meets emission standards. The Moniteur Automobile notes that registration for the Brussels LEZ does not automatically cover the LEZ zones in Antwerp or Ghent.

What Comes Next?

The current system is considered transitional. A broader structural reform is planned for 2027, pending parliamentary approval. The proposed changes include a monthly fine of 80 euros (maximum 960 euros per year), an annual pass at 350 euros, and a social tariff of 200 euros for low-income households. Payment in installments — four without justification, or ten with a written request demonstrating financial hardship — would also be introduced.

Brussels Secretary of State for Environment Ans Persoons has indicated that the government aims to finalize the reform by the end of 2026, with implementation in early 2027. Professional exceptions for certain vehicle categories are still under discussion.

Looking Ahead

The LEZ is a cornerstone of Brussels’ air quality strategy. The long-term roadmap envisions a complete ban on all diesel vehicles by 2030 and all petrol vehicles by 2035. As the city pushes forward with its environmental agenda, drivers across Belgium and beyond will need to adapt to the evolving restrictions or face the financial consequences.

Automobile association Touring has called for clearer communication from authorities, requesting that first-time offenders receive a warning letter before fines are applied, and has urged the region to publish data on how many vehicles are affected by the new rules.