Belgium raises traffic fines by 10% starting July 2026

From 1 July 2026 Belgium will increase immediate‑collection traffic fines by 10 percent. The adjustment applies to common offences such as speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, handheld‑phone use and drink‑driving, as well as to higher‑grade violations and alcohol‑related offences. For example, a €68 fine for a minor speeding offence will rise to about €74, a seat‑belt penalty from €126 to €138, and a handheld‑phone fine from €182 to €201.

The De Wever government introduced the measure to generate additional budget revenue and to fund road‑safety initiatives. Authorities say the extra money will go to police, courts and safety campaigns. Road‑safety experts stress that the likelihood of being caught is a stronger deterrent than a modest fine increase, and they argue that enforcement and infrastructure improvements are needed for a real safety impact. Motorists’ groups criticize the policy as a “cash cow” for the state, warning that higher fines alone may not reduce risky behaviour.

The reform also coincides with recent licensing penalties, such as a 15‑day licence withdrawal for handheld‑phone use and severe drink‑driving, which may have a greater behavioural effect than the fine hike.