## Key takeaways
- From January 1, 2026, the Brussels Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will ban vehicles that do not meet the Euro 5 standard for diesel or the Euro 2 standard for petrol.
- About 7 percent of vehicles in Brussels, or a total of about 225,000 per quarter, will be affected by this ban.
- The LEZ initiative provides for a grace period and fines for non-compliant vehicles.
Brussels is set to significantly tighten its environmental regulations with a new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) coming into effect on January 1, 2026. This will prohibit older, more polluting diesel and petrol vehicles from driving within the city.
Which vehicles are affected?
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The new regulations target vehicles that fail to meet specific emission standards. Specifically,diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 5 standard,while petrol vehicles must meet the Euro 2 standard. Vehicles that do not comply with these standards will be banned from the LEZ.
How many vehicles will be impacted?
The Brussels government estimates that approximately 7 percent of vehicles currently registered in the city, around 225,000 vehicles per quarter, will be affected by the ban.This includes both residents’ vehicles and those driven by commuters.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
While the ban comes into effect on January 1,2026,the LEZ initiative includes a grace period to allow vehicle owners time to adapt. Though, after this period, non-compliant vehicles will be subject to fines. The exact amount of the fines has not yet been specified.
What is the purpose of the LEZ?
The LEZ is part of Brussels’ broader strategy to improve air quality and reduce its carbon footprint.By restricting the most polluting vehicles, the city aims to create a healthier environment for its residents and contribute to the fight against climate change.
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