Low emission zones in Belgium truck drivers should know

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18 March 2025

What are the low emission zones in Belgium?

Low emission zones (LEZ), also known as environmental zones, are areas where the exhaust emissions of road users are restricted. They are mostly established in larger cities and ban the most polluting vehicles.

Low emission zones are permanent, operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include different categories of vehicles: trucks, cars, vans, agricultural vehicles, motorhomes, buses and coaches.

There are three low emission zones in Belgium, described as Zones de Basse Émissions:

in Brussels
in Antwerp
Ghent.

The low emission zone in Brussels is currently the largest area with traffic restrictions for vehicles that do not meet the environmental standards.

Improving air quality

The introduction of environmental zones is intended to improve air quality and protect the health of Belgium's residents.

The plan is to completely eliminate vehicles with diesel engines without a particulate filter by 2026, as they emit the most soot, which can cause cancer. Once the emission of soot has been reduced, the regulations will also cover newer diesel cars which, despite having a particle filter, still emit high levels of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen oxides are harmful gases which worsen air quality, cause breathing problems and increase the risk of asthma attacks.

Requirements for trucks entering low emission zones in Belgium

Low emission zone in Brussels: From 1 January 2022, vehicles below the Euro 5 standard will be banned from entering. From 2027, only vehicles that meet the Euro 6 diesel standard will be allowed to enter this LEZ.

Low emission zones in Antwerp and Ghent: The entry requirements for these low emission zones are constantly updated. We recommend that you regularly check the requirements and EURO standards on the websites of these cities:

Check this page to see whether you’re allowed to enter the LEZ in Antwerp with your truck: https://lez.antwerpen.be/?taal=NL

Here you can check the requirements for entering the LEZ in Ghent with a truck: https://stad.gent/nl

Exceptional transit through LEZ zones in Belgium

Vehicles that do not meet the requirements may, in exceptional cases, be granted permission to enter the LEZ zone in Belgium, but with a limit on the length of time they can spend in the area and the number of trips they can make per year.

Transit is possible with a permit or a day ticket. To use these options, you must register your vehicle and pay for a ticket before entering. However, the rules vary from city to city, so it is worth checking the current regulations for the LEZ zone (in Brussels, Antwerp or Ghent) before travelling. Entering without a valid permit will result in a heavy fine.

Fines for driving through the low emission zone in Belgium

If an unauthorised vehicle enters the LEZ without permission, the fine can be between €150 and €350.

Compliance with the regulations is constantly monitored by ANPR cameras, which record each licence plate and then compare it with a database of vehicles authorised to pass through. The ban applies to every vehicle without exception, so it also includes, for example, the cars of people living in the zone.

Summary + FAQ

Are there low emission zones in Belgium?

Yes, there are low emission zones in Belgium. These are located in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. To drive through the zones, the vehicle's engine must meet the current requirements or have a special permit or pass. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine.

How can I check if I am allowed to enter the low emission zone?

The requirements for driving through the zones in Antwerp and Ghent are constantly updated, so it is worth checking the city website before travelling to see if you are allowed to enter.

What does a low emission zone mean?

A low emission zone, also known as an environmental zone or LEZ, is an area where the entry of vehicles that emit too much nitrogen dioxide and soot is restricted. The zones are created to protect the health of residents and the air quality.

Want to know more about working in Belgium as a truck driver?

Check out our other content:

Living and working in Belgium: https://www.247drive.com/blog/73/living-and-working-in-belgium

Speed limits for trucks in Belgium in 2025: https://www.247drive.com/blog/71/current-speed-limits-for-trucks-in-belgium-2025

Fines and penalties in Belgium: https://www.247drive.com/blog/72/fines-and-penalties-in-belgium