Foreign tourists traveling to Ghent by car can be faced with big surprises if they do not register their vehicle in advance. Find out if your vehicle can automatically enter the low-emission zone of Ghent and for which period.

To improve air quality, Ghent's city center is considered a low-emission zone (LEZ). A vehicle with a foreign number plate must always be registered. After the one-time registration, your vehicle has automatic access. Vehicles that meet the access conditions will be given automatic access to the low emission zone (LEZ) as much as possible. 

register to drive in the low emission zone

This is not possible for some vehicles because the City does not have all the data. You have to get those vehicles first RegisterTo register one of a vehicle with a non-Belgian number plate, you must provide all details. The city of Ghent does not take any notice of the applicable privacy regulations and asks for your name, address and telephone number during the registration process.

You must add the front and back of the registration certificate in the appendices to the registration process. The registration is free and valid until December 31, 2024 in all Flemish cities with a low emission zone.

Dutch vehicles that meet the admission requirements are automatically registered in Antwerp on the basis of the information in the vehicle registration register of the RDWThis is not the case in Ghent. This means that you do have to register an authorized vehicle with a Dutch registration number in Ghent

Since 1 January, the City of Ghent wants to keep the most polluting cars out of the center with the LEZ. In itself, these measures currently have little to do with a low-emission zone, but are more of a green cash cow for the Ghent city council.

"The introduction of the LEZ is one of the most effective measures for better air quality and guarantees a healthier living environment for the people of Ghent." According to the ships of Milieu Tine Heyse (Groen).

The new measure does not guarantee a healthier living environment for Ghent residents at all, but a new source of income for the Ghent municipal greenhouse. All diesel cars with Euro standard 5 or higher and cars on petrol, LPG or CNG with Euro standard 2 or higher can enter the city center for free. Anyone who purchases an exemption can continue to drive as before.

Read also  License plate: strict enforcement of sanctions at the EU-Russian border affects road traffic

Also read: LEZ exemptions from Ghent means to fill city treasury

Print Friendly, PDF & Email