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.
Environmental Zones
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Euro 4 diesel and Euro 1 petrol banned
Brussels LEZ prohibited older diesel (Euro 4 and below) and oldest petrol vehicles
After (2026)
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
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.
Safety Rules
Effective September 1, 2026
Before
50-year-old Highway Code
Belgium's road code had been in place for nearly 50 years with incremental updates
After (2026)
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
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.
Penalties & Fines
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Intermittent camera operation
Many speed cameras in Flanders operated only part-time or were inactive
After (2026)
All cameras permanent 24/7
Every speed camera in Flanders now operates permanently; fine management shifted to regional control
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.
Safety Rules
Effective July 7, 2026
Before
Basic ADAS only
Since July 2024, new cars required basic systems including AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning
After (2026)
Camera-based distraction monitoring
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with camera monitoring to detect phone use or inattention
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.
Speed Limits
Effective January 1, 2026
Before
Varied by region
Different default speed limits in Flanders vs Wallonia vs Brussels
After (2026)
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
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.
No. From January 1, 2026, Euro 5 diesel vehicles (mostly registered 2011-2015) and Euro 2 petrol vehicles (pre-2001) are banned from the Brussels LEZ covering all 19 municipalities. You'll first receive a warning letter, then face €350 fines recurring every 3 months. Brussels aims to ban all diesel vehicles by 2030.
Belgium is rewriting its 50-year-old Highway Code with over 45 new traffic signs. Key changes include "square green" at intersections (cyclists and pedestrians cross in all directions simultaneously), cyclists can pass stationary traffic, motorcyclists may use the emergency lane in jams, and perpendicular parking is only allowed when explicitly signed.
Yes. The default speed limit outside built-up areas is 70 km/h in Flanders and 90 km/h in Wallonia. Brussels has expanded its 30 km/h zones across the city. Motorways are 120 km/h nationwide. From 2026, all speed cameras in Flanders operate permanently 24/7.
From July 7, 2026, all new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) - camera-based monitoring that detects phone use or inattention. Basic systems like AEB, ISA, lane-keeping, and drowsiness warning were already mandatory from July 2024 under EU GSR2.
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: February 1, 2026
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