Flanders relaxes rules for classic cars in low emission zones
The Flemish Government has decided to relax the rules for classic cars in Low Emission Zones (LEZs). Previously it had seemed inevitable that from Saturday 27 April the owners of classic cars would have to purchase a daily pass if they wished to drive their vehicles within the Low Emissions Zones in Antwerp and Ghent (East Flanders). However, the Flemish Government has now decided to allow local authorities to grant exemptions. The Flemish Government has asked the Council of State to advise urgently on its decision to allow local authorities to do so.
Within a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) vehicles with high emission levels are banned in order to ensure better air quality and quality of life in urban areas. An exception had been made for classic cars. However, but this was overruled two years ago by the Council of State.
The Council of State’s ruling meant that from 27 April 2024, classic car owners and drivers would only be able to enter a Low Emissions Zone in Flanders if they purchased an “affordable” pass valid for one day. It would only be possible to purchase the pass on a maximum of 12 days per annum.
Modelled on the system in force in Brussels
The Flemish regional government intends to adopt the system used in the Brussels-Capital Region. This system has not met with any resistance from the Council of State. Under this system, local authorities can decide for themselves whether to grant an exemption for classic cars.
In Brussels, this exemption applies to vehicles that are more than 30 years old and are registered as classic cars. In Belgium classic cars are given licence plates beginning with a '0' or '1-0'. However, individual exemptions can also be granted to vehicles with other licence plates.
Council of State
The Flemish Environment Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) states that the city and municipal authorities with low emission zones in their areas have been informed of the possibility of providing exemptions for classic cars.
"The Council of State has been asked to provide urgent advice on this so that the exemptions’ system will stand up to legal scrutiny," Ms Demir told journalists.