Like 200 other European cities, Brussels is a low emission zone (LEZ). Some vehicles are not allowed to drive in the city and the regulations become more stringent every year.

Vehicle access is determined by the vehicle's European emission standard or Euro standard. This standard classifies vehicles on a scale of 1 to 6, depending on how well their engines meet environmental standards. The higher the Euro standard of a vehicle, the lower its emissions.

Can I still drive my car in Brussels?

Diesel

Since the beginning of 2022, diesel vehicles of standard 4 and below are no longer permitted to drive in Brussels.

Petrol , LPG, CNG

Petrol, LPG or CNG vehicles without a EURO standard or with a EURO 1 standard are not permitted. Petrol vehicles up to standard 2 will be banned from 2025.

Where can I find the Euro standard of my vehicle?

• On your vehicle’s registration document, next to the heading 'Environmental class'
• On the Car-Pass if it’s a used vehicle
• On the website www.ecoscore.be, using your chassis number
• On the website www.lez.brussels, according to the date of first registration

What if my vehicle doesn’t comply with the standard?

Destroy it

Go to an authorised centre. Note that by destroying it, and by waiving any new registration for one year, you become eligible for the Bruxell’air grant.

Sell it

You can sell it second hand, but not on the Brussels market.

Buy a day pass

If your vehicle does not meet the LEZ access criteria and you need to drive into Brussels, you can buy a paid day pass which costs €35. 

You can buy it before your visit to Brussels and until midnight the next day.

What to look out for when buying a new car?

In principle, new cars meet the Euro 6 standard. They therefore still have access to the LEZ. In general, it is advisable to buy the least polluting vehicles such as electric vehicles, natural gas, hydrogen or even petrol vehicles (considered less polluting than diesel).

If it is a second-hand vehicle, check the vehicle registration document or take into account the date of the first registration. Note, however, that diesel vehicles are the most affected, as they emit more pollutants.

How to get around Brussels without your car?

By public transport

The public transport offering of the STIB (tram, metro, bus), de lijn and the TEC is accessible with a single Mobib card, which can also be recharged online.

Your Mobib card also allows you to travel by train between the various stations in Brussels (Jump ticket).

By bike or on foot

Why not walk a little or use a bicycle to cover short distances? In Brussels, the cycling network is growing in leaps and bounds. Use your own bike or hire one, electric or not, on the network of the incumbent operator Villo!, launched with the support of the Brussels-Capital Region, or on other networks. A list is available on the Brussels Mobility website.

In a shared vehicle

In addition to taxis, several driverless car-sharing networks are available in Brussels. Consult the list on the Brussels Mobility website.

Do you prefer a scooter? Reserve one of these shared electric vehicles here.

Carpooling

Online platforms make it easy for users to find a carpool that suits them, whether for long or short distances, regular or occasional journeys.

By Segway, electric unicycle, electric skateboard or hoverboard

These new machines are booming and paving the way to new ways of getting around.