Belgium’s three regions announced Friday they would introduce next year a road tax that will apply to all motorists, including foreign drivers transiting through the country. This policy change marks a shift for the nation, which has historically not charged drivers for the use of its highway network, despite years of public and political debate regarding the implementation of such fees.
Francois Desquesnes, the transport minister for the Wallonia region, emphasized the necessity of the measure, stating, “Everyone who uses our roads must contribute fairly to their maintenance.”
Beginning May 1, 2027, motorists will be required to register their vehicles and pay the designated tax. The system will also provide options for day passes for those passing through the country. Pricing for annual passes is tiered based on vehicle emissions, with zero-emission cars charged €90 ($103), while higher-polluting vehicles will face fees of up to €125. To ensure compliance, authorities will utilize road cameras to monitor traffic, and any driver caught without a valid pass will be subject to a fine of €70.
