🚗💶 Road Traffic Fines Are Increasing in Belgium: What Every Driver Needs to Know from 1 July!
Have you heard about the increase in road traffic fines that came into force on 1 July? If you drive in Belgium, these new rules could have a direct impact on you. Some offences now carry significantly higher fines, and in certain situations, you could even lose your driving licence immediately. ⚠️
📈 A 10% Increase for Many Traffic Offences
Most immediate fines have increased by 10%.
Here are a few examples:
🚦 Driving at 55 km/h instead of 50 km/h in a built-up area: €58 instead of €53.
📱 Holding a mobile phone while driving: €191 (plus administrative costs).
🔴 Running a red light: €191.
🟠 Crossing an amber light: €128.
🍷 Drink-driving (between 0.22 and 0.35 mg/l of breath alcohol): €197.
Although these amounts may seem manageable, the financial consequences can quickly become much more serious if several offences are involved or if your case is brought before the police court.
🚔 A Major Change for Drink-Driving
The most significant reform is not the amount of the fine but the immediate suspension of your driving licence.
From now on, any driver exceeding the legal alcohol limit will have their licence withdrawn for at least 12 hours. Previously, in some cases, the suspension could be limited to just three hours.
For many drivers, this can have serious consequences for work, family life and daily activities.
⚖️ A Fine Is Not Always the End of the Story
Depending on the circumstances, a traffic offence may also result in:
✅ A summons before the Police Court;
✅ A driving disqualification;
✅ Medical or psychological examinations;
✅ Higher insurance premiums;
✅ In some cases, a criminal record.
Every case is unique and deserves an individual legal assessment.
🚘 The Right Legal Advice Can Make a Real Difference
Many drivers believe that once a police report has been issued, nothing more can be done.
That is simply not true.
Depending on the facts, it may be possible to:
✔️ Challenge procedural irregularities;
✔️ Present mitigating circumstances;
✔️ Obtain a reduced penalty;
✔️ Avoid particularly severe sanctions.
A well-prepared defence can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
📞 Have You Received a Traffic Fine or a Court Summons?
Don’t wait until it is too late.
As a lawyer specialising exclusively in road traffic law in Belgium, I can assess your case, explain your legal options and help you build the strongest possible defence.
📩 Do you have questions or would you like to know your chances of success? Contact me today. A timely legal opinion can often make all the difference.
