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

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 2022 evaluation report

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. According to the latest report (2023) from the European Environment Agency, in 2021 air pollution caused more than 5,000 premature deaths a year in Belgium: 5,100 were linked to fine particle emissions (PM10 & PM2.5), 1,400 to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions and 310 to exposure to ozone (O3).

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.

    Following the vote by the Brussels Parliament on 4th October 2024, the milestone of 1st January 2025 for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has been postponed to 1st January 2027 for all vehicles concerned. The simulator and the agenda will be updated shortly.

    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 2027 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 2024
    Euro 6d - Euro 6e
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6 b, c
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro 6d - Euro 6e
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6 b, c
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    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 6b, 6c
    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 - 31/08/2023
    01/01/2021 - 31/08/2023
    Euro 6e
    01/09/2023 - 28/11/2027
    01/09/2023 - 28/11/2027
    Euro 7
    29/11/2027 - ...
    29/11/2027 - ...

    Bus M3 class I, II, A

    Norm 2024
    Euro VId - Euro VIe
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro VId - Euro VIe
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    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 - 28/05/2028
    Euro VII
    29/05/2028 - ...

    Coach M3 class III, B

    Norm 2024
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    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 - 28/05/2028
    Euro 7
    29/05/2028 - …

    Moped and scooter L1-L2

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

    Motorbike L1 - L2

    < Euro 5
    ... - 31/12/2020
    Euro 5
    01/01/2021 - ...
    Euro 5+ (L2-U)
    01/01/2025 - …

    Motorbike and scooter L3-L5

    Norm 2024
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    < Euro 3
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    < Euro 3
    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 - 31/12/2024
    Euro 5+
    01/01/2025 - …

    Motorbike L6-L7

    Norm 2024
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    No Euro standard
    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 - 31/12/2024 (except L6A)
    01/01/2021 - 31/12/2024
    Euro 5+
    01/01/2025 - …
    01/01/2025 - …

    Minibus (M2) and van N1 class II, III

    Norm 2024
    Euro 6d - Euro 6e
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro 6d - Euro 6e
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    Euro 6
    Euro 5
    Euro 4
    Euro 3
    Euro 2
    Euro 1
    No Euro standard
    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)
    Van N1 class II, III
    No Euro standard
    ... - 30/09/1994
    ... - 30/09/1994
    Euro 1
    01/01/1994 - 31/12/1997
    01/01/1994 - 31/12/1997
    Euro 2
    01/01/1998 - 31/12/2001
    01/01/1998 - 31/12/2001
    Euro 3
    01/01/2002 - 31/12/2006
    01/01/2002 - 31/12/2006
    Euro 4
    01/01/2007 - 31/12/2011
    01/01/2007 - 31/12/2011
    Euro 5
    01/01/2012 - 31/08/2016
    01/01/2012 - 31/08/2016
    Euro 6
    01/09/2016 - 31/08/2020
    01/09/2016 - 31/08/2020
    Euro 6d-TEMP
    01/09/2020 - 31/12/2021
    01/09/2020 - 31/12/2021
    Euro 6d

    01/01/2022 - 31/08/2023

    01/01/2022 - 31/08/2023
    Euro 6e
    01/09/2023 - 28/05/2028
    01/09/2023 - 28/11/2027
    Euro 7
    29/05/2028 - …
    29/11/2027 - …

    Heavy goods vehicle N2 < 2610kg

    Norm 2024
    Euro VId - Euro VIe
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro VId - Euro VIe
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    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 - 31/08/2023
    Euro VIe
    01/09/2023 - ...
    Euro VII
    29/05/2028 - …

    Heavy goods vehicle N2 > 2610kg and N3

    Norm 2024
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
    Norm 2024
    Euro VIe
    Euro VId
    Euro VI
    Euro V
    Euro IV
    Euro III
    Euro II
    Euro I
    No Euro standard
    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 - ...
    Euro VII
    29/05/2028 - …

    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.

    How much is the fine?

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

    However, the Region limits the number of fines to a maximum of one every 3 months. Over a year, a maximum of 4 fines per vehicle can therefore be imposed.

    Example: I drove on 1 May with a prohibited vehicle in the LEZ. I get a first fine. I will receive a second fine if I drive this vehicle in the LEZ from 1 August.

    How can I get a payment plan?

    If you receive a fine and have difficulty paying it, you can request a payment plan from Brussels Fiscality.

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

    • Submit a reasoned request before the due date of the fine using the ‘Payment plan for fines’ form.
    • 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.