🚗☀️ Letting the AC Run While Parked in Summer: A Tempting Habit… but Often Illegal in Belgium

During the summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, the temptation to leave your car engine running just to enjoy the air conditioning is common. However, in Belgium, this habit can be costly — financially, environmentally, and even legally.

😓 A Very Understandable Temptation…

The summer of 2025 is one of the hottest recorded since the start of the decade. In cities, the urban heat island effect makes things worse: car interiors can quickly reach temperatures above 50°C.

In this context: who hasn’t left the engine running for a few minutes, AC on, to “cool down before hitting the road”?
It’s human — but in many areas of the country, it’s also illegal.

📜 What the Law Says in Belgium

Unlike France, where the national highway code (Article R318-1) prohibits this practice, Belgium regulates this at the regional or municipal level.

In summary:

🏙️ In Brussels

Idling your engine while parked is forbidden by both police regulations and environmental rules.

🌄 In Wallonia

Several cities like Namur and Liège ban this practice under their environmental policies.

🌍 In Flanders

Cities such as Ghent and Antwerp have introduced similar measures as part of their climate plans.

➡️ Possible fine: between €100 and €150, depending on the municipality.

🌬️ Why Is It Banned?

Even when stationary, a running combustion engine emits:

• Around 5% more CO₂ when powering the AC

• Up to 4 litres of fuel per hour, wasted for nothing

• Fine particles harmful to public health

Over the course of an entire summer, this leads to thousands of litres of fuel wasted in urban areas — directly contradicting goals for reducing emissions and improving air quality.

🚫 What About Electric Vehicles?

Fully electric vehicles are not affected by this ban:

• Their AC works without running a combustion engine

• They produce less noise and pollution while stationary

Still, it’s recommended to use AC moderately when parked to protect battery life and avoid overheating the electronics.

✅ Responsible Alternatives

• Natural ventilation: open the windows during the first minutes of driving

• Reflective sunshades: reduce heat build-up while parked

• Park in the shade: simple but often forgotten

• Drive off immediately with moderate AC: more efficient and legal

🌱 A Small Act for the Planet… and Your Wallet

During heatwaves, responsible habits matter. Just because you’re alone in your car doesn’t mean your choices have no impact.
Quite the opposite: these “small” actions collectively lead to wasted energy, more pollution, and higher costs.

📊 Summary:

💡 This Summer: Better to Sweat Legally… Than Pay a High Price for a Few Minutes of Cool Air!

If you have questions, feel free to contact me.