đźš— Back to the Original LEZ Timeline in Brussels or not? What You Need to Know
The saga around Brussels’ Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has taken a new turn. The Constitutional Court has struck down the postponement voted by the Brussels Parliament, restoring the original 2025 timeline.
In practical terms: diesel Euro 5 and petrol Euro 2 vehicles are no longer allowed to circulate in the capital. However, the government has granted a grace period to avoid a sudden impact.
đź“Ś Why this U-turn?
In March 2025, Brussels’ parliament voted to extend the deadline, allowing diesel Euro 5 and petrol Euro 2 vehicles to drive until January 1, 2027.
The Constitutional Court, however, ruled that this delay violated fundamental rights:
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the right to health,
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and the right to a healthy environment.
As a result, the initial calendar is back in force, and the ban applies as of 2025.
đź•’ A Grace Period Until 2026
Acknowledging that many drivers expected to keep using their vehicles until 2027, the Brussels government has set up a transition phase:
| 📅 Date | ⚖️ What happens |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Automatic checks resume. Drivers in violation will receive a warning. |
| April 1, 2026 | If the vehicle continues to circulate after the warning, fines will start to apply. |
| December 31, 2025 | Last chance: those who ordered a new compliant vehicle before this date can avoid fines (proof required). |
👉 The goal is to give citizens time to adapt while complying with the Court’s ruling.
đź’¸ What are the penalties?
From spring 2026, sanctions will apply:
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Fine amount: €350 per violation.
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Frequency: a vehicle can only be fined once per quarter (even if used daily).
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Exemptions:
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Warning before sanction.
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Proof of new vehicle order before December 31, 2025.
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Certain legal exemptions (disabled drivers, emergency vehicles, etc.).
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🔍 How are checks performed?
Via ANPR cameras (automatic number plate recognition). Each passage is logged and cross-checked against the database of authorized vehicles.
🌍 The Issues Behind the Ruling
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âś… Public health: air pollution causes thousands of premature deaths in Belgium every year. Cutting emissions is a health priority.
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âś… Climate: LEZ rules also help Brussels meet its climate commitments.
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❌ Social impact: many low-income households still own Euro 5 diesel or Euro 2 petrol vehicles. Buying a new car is a significant financial burden.
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⚖️ Legal certainty: this ruling highlights the importance of respecting Council of State warnings and constitutional rights.
✨ In Summary
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The Constitutional Court struck down the 2027 extension.
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Diesel Euro 5 and petrol Euro 2 vehicles are already banned.
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However, no fines will be issued until April 2026 — until then, only warnings will be given.
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The fine: €350 per quarter, unless you can prove you ordered a compliant vehicle before the end of 2025.
👉 Practical tip: if you are affected, plan ahead now. Either by ordering a compliant vehicle or by exploring alternatives (public transport, car-sharing, or transition vehicles). This will save you from costly surprises in spring 2026.
đź“© Need tailored legal advice on your situation or your rights under the new LEZ rules?
👉 Feel free to contact me — I’ll be happy to assist you.
