Low-emission zoneBrussels
Traffic rules
Brussels
1. Low-emission zone
A low-emission zone, or LEZ, is a defined area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to reduce traffic-related air pollution. Vehicles that do not satisfy the required emission criteria may be prohibited from entering or may require a temporary permit, exemption or day pass.
Access rules commonly depend on factors such as the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro emission standard. Low-emission-zone requirements vary between countries and cities, so drivers should check the applicable rules before entering the zone.
Where are the low-emission zones in Belgium?
Belgium currently has low-emission zones in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. Antwerp and Ghent are the two LEZs in Flanders, while Brussels has a separate regional system.
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
Are the LEZ rules the same in Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent?
No. The zones have their own access criteria, boundaries, permits and administrative procedures. Drivers should therefore check the rules for the specific zone they intend to enter.
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
What determines whether a vehicle may enter a Belgian LEZ?
Access generally depends on the vehicle category, fuel type and Euro emission standard. Additional conditions or exemptions may apply to particular vehicles.
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
Where does the Ghent LEZ apply?
Ghent’s low-emission zone covers its designated inner-city area, with specified exclusions and access routes. Use the city’s official map for the destination and approach route. The R40 was rerouted when the Verapaz Bridge opened in July 2025, but the LEZ boundary stayed unchanged; following the present ring road alone is therefore not a reliable way to determine the boundary.
🔗 stad.gent • City of Ghent — LEZ boundary unchanged after July2025 R40 rerouting
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
Where does the Antwerp LEZ apply?
The Antwerp LEZ covers the city centre and Linkeroever. Drivers should use the official vehicle checker before entering because the precise boundaries and access conditions matter.
🔗 slimnaarantwerpen.be • City of Antwerp — LEZ extent and official vehicle/access checks
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
How do Belgians refer to a low-emission zone?
The official Dutch term is lage emissiezone. The French term is zone de basses émissions. Local access rules determine which vehicles may enter; the name alone does not establish one uniform set of restrictions throughout Belgium.
🔗 lez.brussels • Brussels-Capital Region — official LEZ portal; separate regional criteria
