Belgium raises fines for obscuring vehicle number plates to €138

The Belgian federal government will tighten traffic rules on November 1, introducing a second‑degree fine of €138 (including administrative costs) for drivers who deliberately make their number plates unreadable. The penalty, up from about €74, applies to practices such as applying transparent or reflective foils, drilling holes, or covering plates with mud, dust or other debris to evade ANPR and speed‑camera checks.

The amendment to the Road Code was backed by the ministers of Justice, Interior and Mobility, who said the clearer wording removes loopholes that allowed drivers to exploit vague regulations. The traffic institute VIAS noted that the growing network of ANPR cameras used for speed‑control, stolen‑vehicle detection and other police investigations makes a legible plate essential, and the stricter sanctions aim to preserve the system’s effectiveness.