LEZ: maintained with annual pass and reduced fines

Government agreement: what changes

The agreement of 12 February 2026 substantially modifies the LEZ regime:

• Annual pass: owners of non-compliant vehicles can purchase a pass at 350 EUR/year (social rate 200 EUR) to drive legally
• Reduced fine: the per-infraction fine is lowered from 350 to 80 EUR
• Cap removed: the cap of 4 fines per year is removed

The LEZ is maintained in principle but its financial impact on motorists is significantly softened.

Inherited context

Brussels' LEZ (Low Emission Zone) was established in 2018 to improve air quality by progressively banning the most polluting vehicles from the regional territory. The schedule provides for a gradual tightening of access standards, with the goal of banning diesel vehicles by 2030 and petrol vehicles by 2035.

What was pending (June 2024 — February 2026)

The LEZ continued to operate under the rules already adopted. However, the next tightening phases required political decisions that could not be taken under caretaker government.

Issues to monitor

• Public health: air quality in Brussels remains below WHO recommendations in several areas
• Social justice: the annual pass and social rate aim to mitigate the impact on low-income households
• Climate coherence: the relaxation of the fine regime raises questions about the trajectory for eliminating polluting vehicles
• Tightening schedule: the confirmation or revision of the 2025-2030 schedule remains to be decided