Speeding in Belgium: Fines, Points and Penalties

Belgian law distinguishes several brackets. In built-up areas, 30 and 50 km/h zones, the first 10 km/h cost €53. Each additional km/h adds €6 to the bill. So a 15 km/h excess totals €83.

On 70 and 90 km/h roads, the first 10 km/h also cost €53, then €6 per extra km/h. On highways (120 km/h), it's the same base, but €6 per km/h from the 11th.

The real tipping point: above 30 km/h excess in built-up areas or 40 km/h on other roads, it's court summons. No more immediate fine – you face a judge. The offense becomes a '4th degree' violation with mandatory disqualification of 8 days to 5 years.

An important nuance: these amounts are the basic fines. In practice, 'décimes additionnels' (additional multipliers) raise the actual amount. A €53 base fine becomes €424 in reality.

The court becomes mandatory in two scenarios: excessive speed (over 30 km/h in town, 40 km/h elsewhere) or repeat offense within 3 years.

Before the police court, the judge has latitude. They can impose: • A fine from €80 to €4,000 (multiplied by additional décimes = €640 to €32,000) • Driving disqualification from 8 days to 5 years • Reinstatement exams to recover the license • Obligation to retake theoretical and/or practical exam

For repeat offenses, penalties double. The fine can reach €80,000 and disqualification can be permanent. Belgian law is particularly harsh with repeat speeders – the legislator considers that someone who doesn't learn from the first penalty must be removed from the road.

Belgium has several thousand fixed radars and regularly deploys mobile units. Each type has its specificities.

Fixed radars (Gatso, RedFlex) are the most common. Positioned at known accident blackspots, they photograph your plate with timestamped flash. The ticket arrives within days.

Section radars calculate your average speed over a given distance. You might think you slowed down near the camera, but if your average exceeds the limit, you're caught. These are increasingly common on Belgian highways.

Mobile radars (Lidar, Mesta) are operated by police at variable locations. Their advantage: they're unpredictable. Their particularity: they allow tolerance that can be challenged if equipment calibration isn't up to date.

Each radar has a legal tolerance margin: generally 6 km/h under 100 km/h and 6% above. A 56 km/h reading in a 50 zone is thus reduced to 50 – no offense.

A speeding ticket isn't just a line in the budget. It has lasting consequences.

No point system in Belgium – unlike France, you don't lose points. But your insurer has access to a 'claims file' and may review your premium upward or even refuse renewal after serious or repeated offenses.

For professional drivers (license C, D, ADR), consequences are harsher. Companies regularly check their drivers' records. Repeated offenses can lead to dismissal for serious misconduct.

The ticket also goes on your criminal record if you're convicted by court. This record is accessible to employers for certain professions, which can affect your career.

Contesting is possible but requires method. Several angles exist:

The immediate payment proposal isn't a conviction. You can refuse it and request trial. The ticket then goes to the prosecutor who decides whether to prosecute.

Before the judge, your lawyer can challenge: • Calibration of measuring equipment (mandatory annual check) • Officer's qualification to use the radar • Traffic sign visibility (was the limit clearly posted?) • Ticket regularity (deadlines, formal mentions)

Some technical defenses are very specific. For instance, Lidar radars must be used at precise angles – deviation can distort measurement. Section radars require precise camera synchronization.

Important: challenging doesn't always mean winning. The goal is often to obtain a reduced penalty, especially avoiding disqualification when your job depends on the license.

For a simple ticket with immediate payment, the lawyer is generally unnecessary. But consultation becomes relevant when:

• You risk court summons (heavy excess or repeat offense) • A disqualification threatens your professional activity • You believe you have valid grounds for contestation • You've already received a 4th degree offense

The traffic law specialist knows the sensitive points. They can obtain a suspended sentence – meaning you keep your license if you commit no offense during probation. They can negotiate with the prosecutor before the hearing.

Fees vary by case complexity. Expect €500 to €1,500 for police court defense. Investment to weigh against consequences of conviction without defense.