Belgium vehicle taxation and vignette reforms

Belgium is preparing significant reforms to its vehicle taxation and road usage systems, set to begin in 2027. A central component of this plan is the introduction of a mandatory digital highway vignette starting May 1, 2027. This vignette will apply to all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes on regional roads and motorways and will be linked to license plates. While digital methods are preferred, physical purchase options will be available at service stations.

Annual costs for the vignette are projected to vary by vehicle type and emission class, with estimates ranging from €90 for electric vehicles to €100 for modern petrol or diesel cars, while older vehicles may face costs up to €125. Short-term options, ranging from one day to two months, will also be available.

In the Brussels-Capital Region, the reform aims to balance ecological goals with budgetary needs. The plan proposes exempting fully electric vehicles and small internal combustion engine vehicles (up to five fiscal horsepower) from the basic traffic tax. To offset these exemptions, the government intends to increase registration taxes for larger, heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and light pickup trucks, through a weight-based coefficient.

In Wallonia, the government plans to modulate traffic taxes based on engine displacement. While the reforms aim to incentivize cleaner mobility, officials noted that some motorists may face higher total annual costs. The Walloon government expects the vignette to generate approximately 327 million euros.

The Dutch travelers' organization ANWB has expressed opposition to the plan, intending to lodge complaints with the Belgian government and the European Commission. The ANWB cited concerns regarding high costs for motorists and questioned whether revenue will be used effectively to improve Belgian road infrastructure.