Belgium's road vignette explained: everything we know so far

Belgium is introducing a mandatory road vignette for cars, vans and campers. From 1 May 2027, any vehicle up to 3,500 kg using Belgium's regional roads and motorways will need a valid digital vignette. You can buy it from 1 March 2027.

What the vignette is

Unlike the old paper stickers, Belgium's vignette is fully digital. There is nothing to display on your windscreen. It is linked to your licence plate, and roadside cameras check automatically whether a valid vignette exists for your plate.

Where and when you need one

The vignette is required on regional roads and motorways. If you only drive on local roads, you do not need one. It applies to vehicles with at least four wheels and a maximum mass up to and including 3,500 kg, so ordinary cars, vans and campers. Trucks over 3,500 kg continue under the existing kilometre charge system.

Who has to pay

The vignette is mandatory for everyone using these roads, both Belgian residents and foreign drivers passing through or visiting.

Why Belgium is doing it

The regions expect the vignette to raise around €200 million per year for road maintenance. In Flanders, the government wants to offset the cost for residents by lowering the annual road tax.

What still has to happen

The plan is subject to final approval by the Flemish Parliament, and Wallonia and Brussels are expected to follow. Legal challenges are possible under EU rules. We will keep this page updated as details are confirmed.

← Back to all updates