Since 2018, the centre of Brussels is designated as a so-called low emission zone (LEZ). As a result, vehicle access to parts of the city centre is restricted or even prohibited. In other words, this means that all vehicles must be registered with the authorities for each specific LEZ they wish to enter. Municipalities use cameras with number plate recognition to check whether vehicles meet all the requirements.

Who and what?

• All vehicles must be registered.
• Depending on the type and age of the vehicle, a corresponding LEZ ticket must be purchased.

Note!

• Foreign vehicles (including those registered in France, Germany and the United Kingdom) must be registered separately. 
• Dutch vehicles are registered automatically in Flanders and Brussels thanks to a reciprocal agreement and therefore do not have to be registered separately. However, a LEZ ticket may still be required. Purchase this separately for the period you wish to drive and park in Brussels.

Where and when?

The restrictions apply to more or less the entire inner-city area within the outer ring of Brussels (see map). They apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays and holidays. 

Why?

The purpose of low emission zones is to reduce particulate matter and CO₂ emissions in densely populated areas. The basis for all this is the 2015 European legislation, which states that EU member states may introduce low emission zones to comply with the EU prescribed limit values for harmful substances in the air.

More info

Would you like to know whether you can enter the LEZ with your vehicle? Then visit the Lez.Brussels website for more information.