Belgium 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: SPF Mobilité
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
Belgium introduces major 2026 changes: Brussels LEZ bans Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol vehicles, a complete Highway Code rewrite takes effect in September with 45+ new traffic signs, Flanders activates all speed cameras permanently, and EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety systems become mandatory.
Key Changes
Brussels LEZ Bans Euro 5 Diesel and Euro 2 Petrol
Effective January 1, 2026
Euro 4 diesel and Euro 1 petrol banned
Brussels LEZ prohibited older diesel (Euro 4 and below) and oldest petrol vehicles
Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol banned
All Euro 5 diesel vehicles (registered 2011-2015) and Euro 2 petrol vehicles (pre-2001) banned from Brussels Region; €350 fine with 3-month warning period
Official Source: Brussels LEZ Official
Instructor's Tip
“From January 2026, Euro 5 diesel cars (mostly 2011-2015 models) and Euro 2 petrol cars cannot enter the Brussels LEZ covering all 19 municipalities. A warning letter comes first, then €350 fines every 3 months. Nearly 400,000 vehicles across Belgium are affected. Brussels aims to ban all diesel by 2030.”
Complete Highway Code Rewrite with 45+ New Signs
Effective September 1, 2026
50-year-old Highway Code
Belgium's road code had been in place for nearly 50 years with incremental updates
Modernized code with new rules
Complete rewrite: square green for cyclists/pedestrians at intersections, cyclists can pass stationary traffic, motorcyclists may use emergency lane in jams, perpendicular parking only when signed, 45+ new traffic signs
Official Source: SPF Mobilité Highway Code Reform
Instructor's Tip
“Belgium's biggest road rule change in 50 years arrives September 2026. Key points: cyclists and pedestrians get "square green" at some intersections (cross in all directions simultaneously), perpendicular parking is only allowed when explicitly signed, and motorcyclists can use the emergency lane in traffic jams under strict conditions. Learn the 45+ new signs.”
All Flanders Speed Cameras Permanently Active
Effective January 1, 2026
Intermittent camera operation
Many speed cameras in Flanders operated only part-time or were inactive
All cameras permanent 24/7
Every speed camera in Flanders now operates permanently; fine management shifted to regional control
Official Source: Flemish Government Traffic Safety
Instructor's Tip
“All speed cameras in Flanders are now active 24/7 - no more guessing which ones are on. Remember that Flanders has a default 70 km/h limit outside built-up areas (vs 90 km/h in Wallonia). Fines start at €53 and can reach €4,000.”
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use or inattention
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Combined with ISA (already mandatory since 2024), your car increasingly assists and monitors your driving. Know how these systems work for your theory exam.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Regional Speed Limit Differences Remain
Effective January 1, 2026
Varied by region
Different default speed limits in Flanders vs Wallonia vs Brussels
70 km/h Flanders, 90 km/h Wallonia, 30 km/h Brussels
Flanders maintains 70 km/h default outside built-up areas; Wallonia keeps 90 km/h; Brussels expands 30 km/h zones citywide; motorways 120 km/h nationwide
Official Source: Belgian Road Safety Institute (VIAS)
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
All Flanders Speed Cameras Permanently Active
Effective January 1, 2026
Intermittent camera operation
Many speed cameras in Flanders operated only part-time or were inactive
All cameras permanent 24/7
Every speed camera in Flanders now operates permanently; fine management shifted to regional control
Official Source: Flemish Government Traffic Safety
🛡️Safety Rules(2)
Complete Highway Code Rewrite with 45+ New Signs
Effective September 1, 2026
50-year-old Highway Code
Belgium's road code had been in place for nearly 50 years with incremental updates
Modernized code with new rules
Complete rewrite: square green for cyclists/pedestrians at intersections, cyclists can pass stationary traffic, motorcyclists may use emergency lane in jams, perpendicular parking only when signed, 45+ new traffic signs
Official Source: SPF Mobilité Highway Code Reform
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective July 7, 2026
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use or inattention
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
🌱Environmental Zones(1)
Brussels LEZ Bans Euro 5 Diesel and Euro 2 Petrol
Effective January 1, 2026
Euro 4 diesel and Euro 1 petrol banned
Brussels LEZ prohibited older diesel (Euro 4 and below) and oldest petrol vehicles
Euro 5 diesel and Euro 2 petrol banned
All Euro 5 diesel vehicles (registered 2011-2015) and Euro 2 petrol vehicles (pre-2001) banned from Brussels Region; €350 fine with 3-month warning period
Official Source: Brussels LEZ Official
Instructor Tips
Re: Brussels LEZ Bans Euro 5 Diesel and Euro 2 Petrol
Instructor's Tip
“From January 2026, Euro 5 diesel cars (mostly 2011-2015 models) and Euro 2 petrol cars cannot enter the Brussels LEZ covering all 19 municipalities. A warning letter comes first, then €350 fines every 3 months. Nearly 400,000 vehicles across Belgium are affected. Brussels aims to ban all diesel by 2030.”
Re: Complete Highway Code Rewrite with 45+ New Signs
Instructor's Tip
“Belgium's biggest road rule change in 50 years arrives September 2026. Key points: cyclists and pedestrians get "square green" at some intersections (cross in all directions simultaneously), perpendicular parking is only allowed when explicitly signed, and motorcyclists can use the emergency lane in traffic jams under strict conditions. Learn the 45+ new signs.”
Re: All Flanders Speed Cameras Permanently Active
Instructor's Tip
“All speed cameras in Flanders are now active 24/7 - no more guessing which ones are on. Remember that Flanders has a default 70 km/h limit outside built-up areas (vs 90 km/h in Wallonia). Fines start at €53 and can reach €4,000.”
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026. Combined with ISA (already mandatory since 2024), your car increasingly assists and monitors your driving. Know how these systems work for your theory exam.”
Re: Regional Speed Limit Differences Remain
Instructor's Tip
“Belgium's three regions have different speed rules. Flanders: 70 km/h default outside towns. Wallonia: 90 km/h. Brussels: 30 km/h in most areas. Motorways are 120 km/h everywhere. Always check which region you're in - the border isn't always obvious.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still drive my Euro 5 diesel car in Brussels?
What is changing in Belgium's Highway Code in September 2026?
Are speed limits different across Belgium's regions?
What new safety features are mandatory in cars sold in Belgium from 2026?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- SPF Mobilité — Official regulatory body
- Brussels LEZ Official — Brussels LEZ Bans Euro 5 Diesel and Euro 2 Petrol
- SPF Mobilité Highway Code Reform — Complete Highway Code Rewrite with 45+ New Signs
- Flemish Government Traffic Safety — All Flanders Speed Cameras Permanently Active
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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