LEZ in Antwerp: Everything you need to know about the traffic-free zone (2023)
Find out all about the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Antwerp, which restricts vehicles to improve air quality and avoid fines, and learn how to prepare your vehicle for a worry-free visit to the city.
Author: Maros, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons. source
To improve air quality, the center of Antwerp and the Left Bank (Linkeroever) have been designated as a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The most polluting vehicles are no longer allowed to enter the city. Avoid fines and always check your vehicle before heading to Antwerp.
Why a Low Emission Zone in Antwerp?
Antwerp, a vibrant city in Belgium, has taken steps to improve air quality and livability in the city. One of the key measures introduced by the city is the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). This zone is designed to restrict access for the most polluting vehicles and reduce emissions of harmful substances.
Which Vehicles Are Not Allowed?
The LEZ rules determine which vehicles are welcome in Antwerp and which are not. Vehicles that do not meet Euro standards or other admission criteria, as described in the LEZ rules, are not allowed. Here's a list of vehicles not allowed in the LEZ:
- Older Diesel Vehicles: Diesel cars with Euro standards lower than Euro 6 are not allowed. This includes vehicles with Euro 5, Euro 4, Euro 3 with a particulate filter, and Euro 3 without a particulate filter, Euro 2, and Euro 1.
- Very Old Petrol Cars: Petrol, natural gas, or LPG engine vehicles must meet at least Euro 4, Euro 3 with a particulate filter, Euro 3 without a particulate filter, Euro 2, or Euro 1 to enter the LEZ.
- Lower Euro Standard Trucks: For trucks with a weight above 3.5 tons, the label "EEV" (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) is used. These are typically diesel trucks with Euro standards 3 or 4, meaning they are not allowed.
- Agricultural Vehicles: Agricultural vehicles with an engine power greater than 130 kW must meet at least Euro stage 3b (IIIb) to enter the LEZ. In the future, starting from the next update of the LEZ rules in 2026, only agricultural vehicles compliant with Euro stage 4 (IV) or higher will be allowed, and from January 1, 2028, only agricultural vehicles compliant with Euro stage 5 (V) can enter.
It's essential to know your vehicle's Euro standard and check if your vehicle meets these standards before entering the LEZ.
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How Can You Check if You Can Enter Antwerp?
Before traveling to Antwerp, it's advisable to check your vehicle using the online verification tool. This will prevent unpleasant surprises and potential fines. The online test will indicate whether your vehicle can enter the LEZ or not. It's important to note that the City of Antwerp and the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (SPF Mobility) only have the information that's listed on your registration certificate. If your vehicle complies with a Euro standard higher than what's indicated in the LEZ database or if you have a foreign license plate, be sure to register it.
To avoid fines, always check your vehicle before heading to Antwerp. This can be done in several ways:
- Register Your Vehicle for Free: If your vehicle needs to be registered, do so here for free, no later than one day after entering the LEZ.
- Purchase a Permit: If you need to purchase or renew a permit, do so here, no later than one day after entering the LEZ.
- Buy an LEZ Day Pass: If you wish to purchase an LEZ day pass, do so here, no later than one day after entering the LEZ.
By registering your vehicle and obtaining the proper permit, you can ensure smooth access to the LEZ in Antwerp.
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What Does the Future Hold for the Antwerp LEZ?
The rules of the LEZ in Antwerp are not static; they will become more stringent in the future. On September 22, 2023, the Government of Flanders decided to update the low-emission zone rules. This means that future changes will further tighten admission criteria for both diesel and petrol vehicles. It's important to stay informed about these changes to ensure your vehicle complies with the current standards.
