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In practice: Everything you need to know about the LEZ in the Brussels-Capital Region.

LEZ In practice page zone
LEZ In practice Impact section

Please note

Expected effects of the Low Emission Zone on cars and air quality in the Brussels-Capital Region (.pdf)

Low Emission Zone Assessment 2021 Report (.pdf)

Low Emission Zone Assessment 2020 Report (.pdf)

Low Emission Zone Assessment 2019 Report (.pdf)

Low Emission Zone Assessment 2018 Report (.pdf)

How will the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) impact air quality?

Protecting the health of residents and visitors and maintaining a healthy, high-quality environment are priorities for the Brussels-Capital Region.

This is why the Brussels Region became a Low Emission Zone on 1 January 2018. Since then, the most polluting vehicles cannot access it. The timetable provides for a gradual phase-out of diesel cars from 2030, and petrol vehicles from 2035. For other categories of vehicle (vans, minibuses, buses, coaches, HGVs, motorized two-wheelers), there is a specific timetable depending on their category. 

Since its creation, the LEZ has contributed to: 

  • Significantly reducing emissions of air pollutants from road transport (nitrogen dioxide, microparticles and black carbon) which are the most harmful to health.
  • Reducing the number of the most polluting (diesel) vehicles in the region.
  • Maintaining NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide) concentrations in the air below the annual legal limit (40 μg/m³) in the region.

 

For more details on the tangible benefits of the LEZ, consult the 2021 evaluation report

Would you like more information on the expected effects of the LEZ? Read the study carried out at the launch of the LEZ

 

The LEZ, an asset for our health

By contributing to the improvement of air quality, the LEZ has become an ally for the health of Brussels residents. Various studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) have highlighted the significant health impacts of poor air quality. The most common consequences are:

  • respiratory disorders and conditions (including asthma);
  • eye and nasal irritation;
  • coughing and bronchitis;
  • cardiovascular disease;

The risk of stroke, heart disease and lung cancer also rises sharply, particularly among the elderly, young children and sick people. In Belgium, air pollution (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone) caused 5530 premature deaths in 2020, according to the European Environment Agency. 

Thanks to the LEZ, however, significant benefits are expected for the health of Brussels residents from 2030: 

  • gradual reduction in premature deaths 
  • a reduction in illnesses linked to exposure to atmospheric pollutants
  • lower healthcare costs

By contributing to better air quality, in particular through the implementation of the LEZ and other mobility-related policies, the Brussels-Capital Region is asserting its determination to protect the health of its citizens and of visitors to Brussels.

What are the boundaries of the LEZ in Brussels?


The LEZ affects all 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. The Ring and access roads to transit car parks are excluded.

Several ‘Park and Ride’ (P+R) transit car parks on the periphery of the Brussels-Capital Region are accessible to vehicles that do not meet LEZ access criteria: the Stalle, Ceria-Coovi, Lennik and Kraainem car parks. These car parks are a solution because they allow you to park your car safely and reach the city centre quickly by public transport. Combining modes of transport is an ideal way to travel in Brussels for residents, commuters and visitors who want to avoid traffic jams and parking costs in the city.

Some access roads to the transit car parks, as well as sections of the roads leading to the ring road, are excluded from the low emission zones:

Access routes to the Stalle car park

  • Rue de Stalle: between the regional boundary and the car park entrances and exits
  • Petite rue du Marechal
  • Rue de l’Étoile: between the regional boundary and the car park entrances and exits

Access roads to the Ceria car park, the Lennik car park and the Ring Road

  • Chaussée de Mons: between the regional boundary and the Ring Road entrances and exits
  • Boulevard Josse Leemans
  • Boulevard Henri Simonet
  • Rond-point Henri Simonet
  • Avenue Joseph Wybran: between the Rond-point Henri Simonet and the regional boundary
  • Rue de Meylemeersch: between the Joseph Wybranlaan en the entrance van the Institut Jules Bordet
  • Route de Lennik: between the regional boundary and the junction with Boulevard Josse Leemans

Access roads to the Kraainem car park:

  • Avenue de Wezembeek: between the regional boundary and the car park entrances and exits
  • Avenue Emmanuel Mounier: between Avenue de Wezembeek and Avenue Palestre
  • Boulevard de la Woluwe: between the regional boundary and Avenue Hippocrate
  • Avenue Hippocrate
  • Avenue Palestre

Access roads to the UZ Brussel car park:

  • Avenue de l"Arbre Ballon
  • The roundabout on the Avenue du Laerbeek towards the Avenue de l"Arbre Ballon

Access roads to the Ring Road - Drève Saint-Hubert:

  • Chaussée de Waterloo, between the regional boundary and Drève Saint-Hubert
  • Drève Saint-Hubert
  • Drève du Haras: between the regional boundary and Drève Saint-Hubert

Access roads to the Ring Road - E411 (possibility of a U-turn)

  • E411 towards the centre: between the regional boundary and the Herrmann-Debroux viaduct
  • E411 towards Namur: between the ADEPS entrance and the regional boundary
  • Chaussée de Wavre: between the regional boundary and Avenue Herrmann-Debroux

    In Zaventem, the car park at Brussels Airport is accessible for which you can book a place online. From the airport, you can then travel elsewhere in the Region by bus, train or taxi.

    How do I recognise the LEZ?

    LEZ Zone Box

    Nearly 300 road signs have been installed at the regional boundary to identify the LEZ. They indicate that you are entering or leaving the Low Emission Zone. You must only enter the LEZ with vehicles which comply with the access criteria.

    Please note

    Old diesel vehicles are the most affected because they emit more pollution, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx and black carbon) which affect air quality and health.

    • The rules for accessing the LEZ also apply to vehicles registered abroad. Non-Belgian vehicles must register for access to the LEZ.
    • Vehicles that run on gas (CNG, LNG and LPG) are considered to be petrol vehicles.

    • Hybrid vehicles rely on the same schedule as the fuel for the vehicle. Petrol hybrids therefore follow the petrol schedule, and diesel hybrids the diesel schedule.

    • Electric vehicles (battery or fuel cell powered) benefit from an automatic derogation giving them access to the Brussels territory.

    • Vehicles that run on bioethanol are considered to be petrol vehicles.

    • The reference mass is the mass of the working vehicle minus the uniform mass of the driver (75 kg), plus a uniform mass of 100 kg.

    • Check your vehicle to see if it can be used in the Brussels LEZ!
    Check my vehicle

    What vehicles are affected?

    Unless an exemption is granted, the regulation affects the following vehicles, whether registered in Belgium or abroad:

    • Cars (vehicle category M1 on the vehicle registration document) and vans (vehicle category N1 class I with reference mass < than or = to 1305 kg on the vehicle registration document)
    • Minibuses (vehicle category M2 on the vehicle registration document) and vans (vehicle category N1 class II with reference mass > than 1305 kg and < than or = to 1760 kg on the vehicle registration document, category N1 class III with reference mass > than 1760 kg on the vehicle registration document)
    • Buses (vehicle category M3 class I, II, A on the vehicle registration document)
    • Coaches (vehicle category M3 class III, B on the vehicle registration document)

    New vehicle categories are set to be included from 2025 onwards.

    • Mopeds and scooters (vehicle category L1-L2 on the vehicle registration document).
    • Motorbikes and scooters (vehicle category L3-L4-L5-L6-L7 on the vehicle registration document).
    • Heavy goods vehicles (vehicle category N2-N3 on the vehicle registration document).

    A vehicle may or may not be driven in the LEZ depending on its Euro standard, fuel type and category. Which Euro 6 standard does your M1 or N1 vehicle meet? Please refer to the correspondence table for this.

    How to use the agenda?

    In the table below, first select the vehicle category (indicated in the field "J" of the vehicle registration document) from the drop-down menu. The vehicle categories are then divided up according to the type of fuel (diesel/hybrid or petrol/hybrid / LPG / CNG) - indicated in the "P3" field of the vehicle registration document. Finally, look at the line in the table corresponding to the vehicle’s EURO standard ("V9" field): this indicates, year by year, whether this vehicle can be driven in the Brussels-Capital Region or not.

    Car (M1) and van N1, class I

    Norm 2023
    Euro 6d
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6 b, c
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro 6d
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6 b, c
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Car (M1)
    Van N1, class I
    Euro 1
    01/07/1992 - 31/12/1996
    01/10/1994 - 31/12/1997
    Euro 2
    01/01/1997 - 31/12/2000
    01/01/1998 - 31/12/2000
    Euro 3
    01/01/2001 - 31/12/2005
    01/01/2001 - 31/12/2005
    Euro 4
    01/01/2006 - 31/12/2010
    01/01/2006 - 31/12/2010
    Euro 5
    01/01/2011 - 31/08/2015
    01/01/2011 - 31/08/2015
    Euro 6
    01/09/2015 - 31/08/2019
    01/09/2015 - 31/08/2019
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    01/09/2019 - 31/12/2020
    01/09/2019 - 31/12/2020
    Euro 6d
    01/01/2021 - ...
    01/01/2021 - ...

    Bus M3 class I, II, A

    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Bus M3 class I, II, A
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1993
    Euro I2
    01/10/1993 - 30/09/1996
    Euro II
    01/10/1996 - 30/09/2001
    Euro III
    01/10/2001 - 30/09/2006
    Euro IV
    01/10/2006 - 30/09/2009
    Euro V
    01/10/2009 - 31/12/2013
    Euro VI
    01/01/2014 - 31/08/2019
    Euro VId
    01/09/2019 - 31/08/2021
    Euro VIe
    01/09/2021 - ...

    Coach M3 class III, B

    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Coach M3 class III, B
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1993
    Euro I
    01/10/1993 - 30/09/1996
    Euro II
    01/10/1996 - 30/09/2001
    Euro III
    01/10/2001 - 30/09/2006
    Euro IV
    01/10/2006 - 30/09/2009
    Euro V
    01/10/2009 - 31/12/2013
    Euro VI
    01/01/2014 - 31/08/2019
    Euro VId
    01/09/2019 - 31/08/2021
    Euro VIe
    01/09/2021 - ...

    Moped and scooter L1-L2

    Norm 2023
    All
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro 5
    < Euro 5
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    Subject to the final adoption of the legislation by the Brussels government in the coming months.

     

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Moped L1-L2
    < Euro 5
    ... - 31/12/2020
    Euro 5
    01/01/2021 - ...

    Motorbike and scooter L3-L5

    Norm 2023
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    < Euro 3
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    < Euro 3
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Motorbike L3-L5
    < Euro 3
    ... - 31/12/2006
    Euro 3
    01/01/2007 - 31/12/2016
    Euro 4
    01/01/2017 - 31/12/2020
    Euro 5
    01/01/2021 - ...

    Motorbike L6-L7

    Norm 2023
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Motorbike L6
    Motorbike L7
    No Euro standard
    ... - 31/12/2017
    ... - 31/12/2016
    Euro 4
    01/01/2018 - 31/12/2020
    01/01/2017 - 31/12/2020
    Euro 5
    01/01/2021 - ...
    01/01/2021 - ...

    Minibus (M2) and van N1 class II, III

    Norm 2023
    Euro 6d
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro 6d
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Minibus (M2) and van N1 class II, III
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1994
    Euro 1
    01/01/1994 - 31/12/1997
    Euro 2
    01/01/1998 - 31/12/2001
    Euro 3
    01/01/2002 - 31/12/2006
    Euro 4
    01/01/2007 - 31/12/2011
    Euro 5
    01/01/2012 - 31/08/2016
    Euro 6
    01/09/2016 - 31/08/2020
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    01/09/2020 - 31/12/2021
    Euro 6d
    01/01/2022 - ...

    Heavy goods vehicle N2 < 2610kg

    Norm 2023
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Heavy goods vehicle N2 < 2610kg
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1993
    Euro I
    01/10/1993 - 30/09/1996
    Euro II
    01/10/1996 - 30/09/2001
    Euro III
    01/10/2001 - 30/09/2006
    Euro IV
    01/10/2006 - 30/12/2011
    Euro V
    01/01/2012 - 31/08/2016
    Euro VI
    01/09/2016 - 31/12/2021
    Euro VId
    01/01/2022 - ...

    Heavy goods vehicle N2 > 2610kg and N3

    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2023
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036

    How can I find out what is the EURO standard of my vehicle?

    The Euro standard is a European environmental standard with which vehicle engines must comply. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions. A vehicle’s Euro standard determines, according to the fuel it uses and its category, whether or not it is permitted to access the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

    Is the Euro standard indicated on the vehicle registration document.If the Euro standard is not shown on the vehicle’s registration document, the first registration date will be taken into account. This is also shown on your vehicle’s registration document.

    Emissions norm
    Heavy goods vehicle N2 < 2610kg and N3
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1993
    Euro I
    01/10/1993 - 30/09/1996
    Euro II
    01/10/1996 - 30/09/2001
    Euro III
    01/10/2001 - 30/09/2006
    Euro IV
    01/10/2006 - 30/09/2009
    Euro V
    01/10/2009 - 31/12/2013
    Euro VI
    01/01/2014 - 31/08/2019
    Euro VId
    01/09/2019 - 31/08/2021
    Euro VIe
    01/09/2021 - ...

    If your vehicle is a used vehicle, the Euro standard is indicated on the Car-Pass. It is also possible to check the EURO standard of your vehicle using the COC code (.pdf) on the vehicle’s certificate of conformity. If the vehicle’s Euro standard is different from the one indicated on your vehicle registration document or in the simulator, you can request a correction of your data.

    If your vehicle does not meet the access criteria of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), you can buy a day pass and have access to the Brussels-Capital Region.

    Although your vehicle no longer meet the access criteria of the Brussels LEZ, you still have to pay the road tax. You have to pay the road tax until you have your number plate removed.

    LEZ In practice fines section

    Please note

    Do not rely on websites offering you the purchase of stickers. They are neither necessary nor valid to travel in the Brussels LEZ.

    On 23 January 2019, the Brussels court for French-speaking businesses handed down a ruling ordering Green Zone, a company governed by German law, to correct, in all the languages used on its websites, the erroneous information that encourages the purchase of a sticker to register a vehicle registered abroad.

    The only LEZ-related charge is a day pass and it can only be purchased via this website. All other LEZ-related procedures (exemption and registration) are free of charge and can only be done via this site.

    How much is the fine?

    Failure to comply with the Brussels LEZ access criteria is subject to a fine of €350.

    Each further offence will cost the same amount. However, a fine may only be imposed for a new infraction if it takes place at least 3 months after the previous.
    Example: I drove on 1 May with a prohibited vehicle. I get a first fine. I will receive a second fine if I drive this vehicle after 31 July. This may be repeated several times.
    This approach allows the vehicle owner to take the necessary steps to avoid having to use their vehicle. Over a year, a maximum of 4 fines per vehicle can therefore be imposed.

    If you receive a fine and have difficulty paying it, you can request a payment plan. Your request for a payment plan must be made to Brussels Taxation.

    The terms and conditions to benefit from a payment plan are as follows:

    • Submit a reasoned request before the due date of the fine.
    • The maximum number of monthly payments is limited to 4.

    You can submit your request via this form by selecting the "Payment plan for fines" option.

    How are the checks carried out?

    Checks will be carried out based on the vehicle licence plate using fixed and mobile cameras. A network of 353 cameras has been set up gradually throughout the region and at the regional boundary. These cameras are used in compliance with legislation on the use of private data and images.

    They are used both for the purposes of the Low Emission Zone and by the police. They have been implemented as part of the video-protection platform of the Brussels-Capital Region Prevention and Security project.

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