Belgium's new road vignette faces EU legal challenge

Belgium plans to introduce a mandatory digital road vignette for most light vehicles starting 1 May 2027. The fee will range from €90 for zero‑emission cars to €125 per year for older models, with short‑term options for occasional users. The scheme, agreed by the three Belgian regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels), will be enforced via automatic number‑plate recognition and carries a €70 fine for non‑compliance.

The proposal has drawn criticism domestically, including a petition in Flanders, and raises legal questions at the European level. The European Commission may scrutinise the measure after the 2019 Court of Justice ruling that struck down Germany's vignette for discriminating against foreign drivers. Observers note that the Belgian system aims to charge all vehicles, residents and tourists alike, but its compatibility with EU law remains uncertain.

If upheld, the vignette could become a significant new road‑use charge for Belgian and foreign motorists, while a veto from Brussels would force the government to redesign the scheme.