If you operate a transport fleet in Belgium, you’ve likely encountered signs for Low Emission Zones (LEZ) around major cities. But what exactly are these zones, and how do they affect your operations? This guide will help you understand and navigate the LEZ requirements in Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent.
Quick Navigation
- What Are Low Emission Zones?
- Current Requirements by City
- Quick Reference Table
- Registration Requirements
- Solutions for Non-Compliant Vehicles
- Future Changes
- Technology Solutions
What Are Low Emission Zones?
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) – or “Lage-Emissiezone” in Dutch and “Zone de Basses Émissions” in French – are designated areas where the most polluting vehicles are restricted or banned. Belgium currently has three LEZ areas: Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. These zones operate 24/7, 365 days a year, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor compliance. For transport companies managing vehicle tracking across these zones, understanding the requirements is crucial.
Current Requirements for Transport Companies
Understanding which vehicles can enter each LEZ is crucial for route planning. Here’s a detailed breakdown by city, followed by a quick reference table:
How to Find Your Vehicle’s Euro Standard
Check your vehicle registration certificate (part B) for the Euro standard. This number (1-6) indicates your vehicle’s emission level – the higher the number, the cleaner your vehicle.
Brussels LEZ
The entire Brussels-Capital Region (all 19 municipalities) is a LEZ. Important Update: Brussels postponed its 2025 requirements to January 1, 2027.
Current requirements (until end of 2026):
- Diesel vehicles: Euro 5 and Euro 6 allowed
- Petrol vehicles: Euro 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 allowed
- Coverage: Entire region except the Ring (R0) and access roads to transit parking
- Fine for violations: €350 per violation (max €1,400/year)
- Day passes: 24 per year maximum (€35 each)
- Official information: lez.brussels
Antwerp LEZ
Covers the city center and part of Linkeroever district. Requirements from 2025:
- Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 for free access (Euro 5 requires fee)
- Petrol vehicles: Euro 3, 4, 5, and 6 allowed
- Fine for violations: €150 (first), €250 (second), €350 (subsequent)
- Day passes: 8 per year maximum (€35 each)
- Official information: lez.antwerpen.be
Ghent LEZ
Encompasses the area within the R40 ring road. Requirements from 2025:
- Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 for free access (Euro 5 requires fee)
- Petrol vehicles: Euro 3, 4, 5, and 6 allowed
- Fine for violations: €150 (first), €250 (second), €350 (subsequent)
- Day passes: 8 per year maximum (€35 each)
- Official information: stad.gent/en/mobility-ghent/low-emission-zone-ghent
Registration Requirements
Foreign vehicles (except Dutch) must register before entering any LEZ:
- Registration is free but mandatory
- Must be completed before midnight the day after entry
- Valid for 3 years, then renewal required
- Antwerp and Ghent registrations are valid for both cities
- Brussels requires separate registration
Belgian and Dutch vehicles are automatically checked against the database – no registration needed.
Quick Reference: LEZ Requirements by City and Fuel Type
| City | Fuel Type | Free Access | Paid Access (Fee Required) | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Diesel | Euro 6 only | – | Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Petrol | Euro 3, 4, 5, 6 | – | Euro 0, 1, 2 | |
| Antwerp | Diesel | Euro 6 | Euro 5 (€30/week or €365/year) | Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, 4* |
| Petrol | Euro 3, 4, 5, 6 | Euro 2 (day pass only) | Euro 0, 1 | |
| Ghent | Diesel | Euro 6 | Euro 5 (€15/week or €345/year) | Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, 4* |
| Petrol | Euro 3, 4, 5, 6 | Euro 2 (day pass only) | Euro 0, 1 |
Day Pass Option: €35/day (maximum 8 days per year per city) available for vehicles not meeting requirements
All cities: Day passes available for €35/day (max 8 days/year)
Note for Heavy Transport:
- Vehicles over 3.5 tons (heavy goods vehicles) were exempt until 2025
- From 2025, registration requirements now apply to these vehicle categories
- Motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters were also exempt until 2025
- Bus and coach companies face specific requirements
- For companies with trailers and containers, check official city websites for specific requirements
Solutions for Non-Compliant Vehicles
If your vehicle doesn’t meet the requirements, you have options:
- Day Pass: €35 per day
- Brussels: Maximum 24 days per year
- Antwerp/Ghent: Maximum 8 days per year per city
- Track usage with Suivo’s reporting tools
- Temporary permits: Available for specific situations
- Monitor permit validity with fleet management software
- Park & Ride: Park outside the zone and use public transport
- Optimize parking locations with route planning tools
- Fleet upgrade: Consider updating to compliant vehicles
- Track ROI and fuel savings with vehicle monitoring
Planning Your Routes
Before entering any LEZ:
- Check your vehicle’s Euro standard on the registration certificate
- Verify compliance using official city tools
- Register foreign vehicles in advance
- Consider alternative routes if non-compliant
- Plan for potential delays during registration
- Use real-time tracking solutions to monitor fleet movements near LEZ boundaries
Future Changes
Transport companies should prepare for stricter regulations:
- 2027: Brussels will require Euro 6 diesel only, Euro 3+ petrol
- 2030: All diesel vehicles banned in Brussels
- 2035: All petrol, LPG, and CNG vehicles banned in Brussels
- Regular tightening of standards expected in all three cities
These upcoming changes make it essential to have a robust fleet management system in place to track vehicle compliance and plan fleet transitions strategically.
Managing LEZ Compliance with Technology
For transport companies managing multiple vehicles across these zones, keeping track of compliance, registrations, and day passes can become complex. This is where fleet management solutions become essential.
Suivo, a Belgian fleet management company with over 15 years of experience, offers comprehensive transport and logistics solutions for companies navigating LEZ challenges. Their platform helps you:
- Track vehicle locations in real-time with advanced tracking technology to ensure LEZ compliance
- Monitor which vehicles can enter specific zones using automated alerts
- Receive notifications when non-compliant vehicles approach LEZ boundaries
- Manage fleet documentation and Euro standards digitally
- Plan optimal routes considering LEZ restrictions
- Generate compliance reports for management and authorities
- Track driver hours with integrated time tracking solutions
- Monitor fuel consumption to support your transition to cleaner vehicles
Suivo’s IoT platform integrates seamlessly with existing Transport Management Systems (TMS), helping companies like Molenbergnatie optimize their transport operations while maintaining LEZ compliance across all Belgian cities.
Take Action Today
Don’t let LEZ regulations catch your fleet unprepared. Start by auditing your vehicles’ Euro standards, register foreign vehicles for the cities you operate in, and consider implementing a comprehensive vehicle tracking solution to streamline compliance.
For more information about optimizing your fleet operations and LEZ compliance, contact Suivo at +32 3 375 70 30 or visit their transport solutions page to discover how their smart solutions can help your transport business navigate Belgium’s Low Emission Zones efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but you must register your vehicle online before entering (except Dutch vehicles). Registration is free and valid for 3 years. Use fleet tracking solutions to ensure compliance.
Fines range from €150-€350 depending on the city and number of violations. ANPR cameras monitor 24/7. Implement vehicle monitoring to avoid accidental violations.
No, day passes are city-specific. Brussels allows 24 per year, while Antwerp and Ghent allow 8 per year. Track usage with digital fleet management.
Suivo provides real-time vehicle tracking, automated compliance alerts, route optimization, and comprehensive reporting for all Belgian LEZ zones. Learn more about our transport solutions.
