Belgian Car Inspection Rules Overhauled Starting September 1

Flanders is implementing the most significant overhaul of its car inspection system in decades, with new rules taking effect September 1 that will extend inspection intervals for passenger cars to two years, eliminate separate trailer hitch inspections, and extend repair deadlines for major defects. The reforms, approved by the Flemish government in July, mark a fundamental shift in how vehicles are inspected across the region.

Two-Year Inspections for All Passenger Cars

The centerpiece of the reform is the extension of biennial inspections to all passenger cars, regardless of age or mileage. Previously, only vehicles up to six years old and under 160,000 kilometers qualified for two-year inspection certificates. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the new rules apply to any passenger car inspected from September 1 onward, with the certificate valid for two years.

However, motorists who delay their inspection past September 1 hoping to secure a longer validity period will be disappointed. If an inspection certificate expires before September 1, the new two-year validity does not apply, as confirmed by the official Flemish Government website.

Vans and light commercial vehicles will transition gradually between 2026 and 2028, with vehicles up to four years old moving to biennial inspections this September, followed by vehicles up to eight years old in 2027, and older vehicles in 2028. Taxis and ambulances will move from semi-annual to annual inspections.

Trailer Hitch Inspections Eliminated

From September 1, no separate inspection will be required after installing a trailer hitch. Vehicles with hitches will receive the same inspection period as those without, though voluntary inspection remains possible. Minister Annick De Ridder described the previous requirement as “gold-plating”—national rules stricter than European norms without demonstrable necessity, as Clint.be reported.

Extended Repair Deadlines and Simplified Administration

When a major defect is found during inspection, motorists now have two months—previously 15 days—to repair the vehicle and return for re-inspection. Stefan Bornauw, network head of Qualitygarage Belgium, called the change positive, noting that garages often have full schedules and 15 days can be tight for completing repairs, as he told Redactie24.

The temporary three-month inspection certificate for administrative deficiencies has also been eliminated. Owners now receive a certificate with normal validity but must still resolve document issues or risk fines. Additionally, motorists no longer need to show proof of insurance at inspection, as digital proof is already accepted.

Second-Hand Inspection Abolished in 2027

From January 1, 2027, the mandatory pre-sale inspection for vehicles sold within Belgium—including motorcycles—will be eliminated. The requirement remains for imported vehicles. Joost Kaesemans of mobility organization Touring expressed concern about this change, telling Het Laatste Nieuws: “The disappearance of the second-hand inspection is a regrettable matter. Those who buy a used car benefit from a detailed view of the vehicle’s current condition.”

Regional Disparities and ‘Inspection Tourism’

The new rules apply only in Flanders. Wallonia and Brussels maintain annual inspection certificates, creating potential for “inspection tourism” across regional borders. Kaesemans warned: “You don’t have to have your car inspected in the region where the vehicle is registered or where you live. You can choose in which region you have your car inspected. So it’s to be expected that there will be quite a lot of ‘inspection tourism.’ We advocate for the same rules throughout Belgium.”

The issue is not new. VRT NWS reported that differences in diesel particulate filter testing—Flanders applies stricter particle counter testing for older diesel vehicles (Euro 5a), while Wallonia only applies it from Euro 5b—have already driven some motorists across borders. Some inspection stations near regional borders report over 25% of customers coming from other regions.

Safety Concerns and Economic Impact

The reform has raised road safety concerns. In 2025, over 60,000 vehicles received red cards (immediate driving bans) in Flanders—a record, as Business AM reported. Nearly one in five ten-year-old cars fails inspection, and half of twenty-year-old vehicles fail. Critics argue that extending inspection intervals could increase risks.

However, Bornauw pushed back on these concerns: “There is always a risk of breaking down with your car, even if you go for inspection every year. That risk won’t suddenly double or triple by going from one year to two years.”

The reform also threatens up to 500 jobs in Flemish inspection stations by 2028, and a citizen petition against the changes has gathered over 15,000 signatures, according to Nieuws365.

What’s Next

From 2028, recognized garages will be able to perform official inspections, breaking the monopoly of inspection centers. Garages can set their own prices up to a maximum equal to current inspection costs (€40.90 for passenger cars in 2026). A planned parliamentary hearing in October will take place after the first phase of the reform is already in effect.

For motorists, the key takeaway is clear: fewer inspections mean greater personal responsibility for vehicle maintenance. As Bornauw noted, “There is always a certain safety risk, and there is of course always the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to ensure that their vehicle is in good condition.”