🚨 Threats of Highway Blockades: Why the Dispute Between Towing Services and the Belgian State Also Concerns Road Users
Ongoing tensions between roadside assistance providers and the Ministry of Justice
Several roadside assistance services are threatening to block major Belgian highways in May 2025. The reason? Unpaid invoices from the Ministry of Justice, particularly for interventions ordered by judicial authorities.
A tow truck operator from Limburg claims to be owed €23,000. Others in the sector echo similar frustrations, pointing to long-standing delays in payments for judicial requisitions. A nationwide protest day is reportedly planned, with full highway blockades, except for emergency vehicles.
⚖️ What the law says: who pays what?
As a lawyer specializing in traffic law, it’s important to clarify a crucial point:
Towing and seizure costs are, in principle, charged to the driver or vehicle owner when an offense has been committed.
đź“Ś Three key scenarios
1. âś… The driver is at fault (confirmed offense)
➡️ Costs are charged to the liable party (driver or vehicle owner).
This includes:
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seizure due to driving without a license, drunk driving, hit-and-run, etc.
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towing for obstruction or danger
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impounding the vehicle
➡️ The Justice Department advances the payment to the towing company, then recovers it from the offender, either through the prosecutor’s office or a collection agency.
2. ⚖️ Proceedings are pending or closed without prosecution
➡️ As long as no guilt is established, the State temporarily bears the costs.
If the person is acquitted or the case is dismissed, these costs cannot be recovered from them—unless they were civilly negligent.
3. ❌ Mistaken identity, wrongful seizure, or innocent third party involved
➡️ If the vehicle belongs to an uninvolved third party (e.g., leasing company, company fleet, unrelated co-owner),
➡️ Or if the seizure was legally unjustified,
➡️ Then the costs may remain with the State, unless reimbursement is pursued via civil recourse.
đź’¬ Why should motorists care?
A breakdown in cooperation between the Ministry and towing companies could disrupt essential roadside interventions, including:
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clearing accident scenes,
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executing vehicle seizures,
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or managing traffic obstructions.
Delays or extra charges might occur — some even challenged later because of procedural flaws.
🧠Legal tip from a traffic lawyer
If you’re faced with a vehicle seizure or dispute over towing costs:
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Ask to see the official requisition or police report,
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Determine whether the intervention was judicial or not,
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Don’t pay without knowing the legal basis,
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Challenge excessive or unjustified fees, especially if you’re later acquitted.
đź“ž Need legal assistance?
If you’re facing vehicle seizure, a towing dispute, or criminal proceedings related to a traffic offense:
➡️ Contact me for help with:
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Verifying the legality of fees charged to you
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Filing a complaint or legal challenge
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Defending yourself in court following an accident or road-related charge
