Fines and penalties in Belgium

24 January 2025

As you can see, Belgium's fine laws are quite harsh on drivers who don't obey local traffic laws. Like other EU countries, Belgium is keen to strongly reduce the number of fatal accidents, so they impose inconvenient sanctions such as heavy fines and the retention of driving licenses. These are intended to discourage, in particular, those who repeatedly break the law.

Traffic violations in Belgium

In Belgium, traffic violations are divided according to four degrees of danger:

• First-degree violations are minor infractions, such as parking in unauthorized places or driving without wearing a seat belt.
• Second-degree violations are more serious violations that can endanger the safety of others. These are, for example, forcing priority or running a red light.
• Third-degree violations are even more serious offenses that can have dire consequences and lead to accidents. These are, for example, running red lights or high speeding.
• Fourth-degree violations are the most serious offenses of all. They include intentionally dangerous or grossly reckless actions, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How to handle traffic offenses in Belgium

Suppose you are stopped for a traffic offense in Belgium. What happens?

Stage 1: Detection of an infraction - A police officer, radar or camera records your traffic violation.

Stage 2: Receiving the fine - You will receive a document with a detailed description of the offense and information about the penalties provided. You can challenge the fine if you disagree with it.

Stage 3: Voluntary payment: For minor offenses, you can pay the fine right away. Paying it means that you admit your guilt and the case is closed.

Stage 4: Possible appeal: If you believe the fine was wrongly imposed, you have 15 days to appeal the charges. Your case will then go to police court.

5 Stage: Court Hearing: If you decide to appeal, or if the offense you committed is serious, you will attend a hearing before the police court, which will make the final decision in your case.

How to appeal a mandate in Belgium?

If you wish to appeal a mandate you have received, it is essential that you apply to the designated Court within 15 days. The appeal must be written in the official language of the region, i.e. Dutch for the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium or French for the French-speaking part.

Are Belgian fines sent to Poland?

Yes, fines from Belgium come to Poland. This is due to European Union regulations that allow the exchange of information about traffic offenses between member countries. If you break the rules in Belgium, the fine will be sent to your Polish address.

FAQ + summary

Can you get a speeding ticket in Belgium?  

This is how you can get a speeding ticket in Belgium. The country severely punishes violations of local traffic laws with hefty fines. The fines range from as much as €50 to as much as €3,000, but you won't get penalty points for this offense.

What is the fine for entering the green zone?

Unauthorized entry into a green zone carries a fine of up to 350 euros. Remember that Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are areas where only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to drive.

One more important point. Remember that a driver's mistake does not always have to be deliberate. A tired driver is just as much of a danger on the road as a person who deliberately breaks the rules. Adequate driver rest is the cornerstone of road safety. Fatigue can be as dangerous as blood alcohol. If you're facing a trip, get enough sleep and rest, and take regular breaks en route. It's not worth the risk.

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