From spring next year, anyone driving in Belgium will be required to purchase a vignette, similar to the motorway permits already used in countries like Switzerland and Austria.
While Luxembourg residents often only make short trips across the border for shopping or dining, they will not be exempt from the new rules.
Despite some uncertainty at European Union level over whether Belgium can legally introduce a motorway vignette, Belgian authorities remain determined to press ahead.
Walloon Mobility Minister François Desquesnes emphasised that the measure is a serious one, not a rash decision.
He noted that an agreement exists between the regions of Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia to introduce the car vignette from 1 May 2027, making it mandatory on the entire regional motorway and road network.
Belgium's Council of State is currently examining the draft legislation, but the regional governments hold the parliamentary majority required to move forward.
The federal government in Brussels does not have jurisdiction over the regional road network.
Luxembourg authorities have raised questions about whether the Belgian vignette is in line with EU law and referred to a 2019 ruling by the European Court of Justice that blocked a similar German measure for discriminating against foreign motorists.
According to Desquesnes, any tax relief that may be introduced for Belgians will not be directly connected to the vignette itself, which he argues means the Belgian system should not breach EU rules.
While Belgian residents could see financial relief in other areas, they will still have to purchase a vignette like everyone else. The main purpose of the measure is to generate much-needed funding for the regions.
The ultimate goal is to finance critical repairs and upgrades to Belgium’s ageing motorway and road infrastructure. Desquesnes explained that the authorities looked at systems used in other European countries, such as Austria, where an annual motorway vignette costs €106, before setting the Belgian price in the same range.
The annual vignette for Belgium will cost €100 and cover approximately 16,000km of motorways and regional roads. To comply with EU law, day and week passes will also be available. A single day costs €9.
Luxembourg motorists will not receive any exemptions. Even short cross-border trips, such as to visit Ikea, will require purchasing a vignette.
Enforcement will be carried out using an existing network of traffic-monitoring cameras across Belgium, which will be expanded and connected to the new system to ensure compliance.
Smaller country roads will remain free of charge, allowing border crossings through villages to remain possible without a vignette even after May 2027.
However, longer journeys such as trips to the Belgian coast will require one. Ultimately, Belgian officials say that all motorists will benefit from improved motorway conditions once the funds are invested, with better roads expected to ease wear and tear on vehicles.
