Brussels low-emissions zone fines resume on 1 July

Owners of old polluting diesel vehicles will start to be fined again if they drive anywhere within the Brussels region from this Wednesday (1 July).

The low-emissions zone has been in force since 2018, but the issuing of the €350 fines was put on hold during the coronavirus shutdown.

The ban applies to diesel vehicles which entered circulation before 2006, with a Euro 0, 1, 2 or 3 rating. Euro 0 and 1 petrol vehicles are also banned. There are about 30,000 vehicles registered in the Brussels region that do not meet the necessary emission standards.

While fines were suspended during the shutdown, the automatic number plate recognition cameras around Brussels were still hard at work. Drivers who took advantage of the fine suspension to use their old vehicles will receive a warning letter.

If you are fined from 1 July, you will not receive a second fine within three months, to allow drivers the time to get their car off the road and find a replacement.

Disabled-badge holders can apply for an exemption online at www.lez.brussels. Owners of classic cars can pay a €35 daily fee for the right to drive them in Brussels up to eight times a year.