Drivers from neighbouring countries, who are also the most frequent visitors on Belgian roads, generally settle their fines promptly, except for the French, who stand out for their low payment rates.
According to figures from the Federal Public Service for Justice (SPF Justice), drivers from countries bordering Belgium are typically reliable when it comes to paying road fines.
The Dutch lead by a wide margin, with 86% of fines paid. Luxembourgers follow at 80%, reinforcing their reputation for respecting cross-border traffic rules. German drivers come next, with a 75% payment rate.
This high level of compliance is attributed to proximity, frequent cross-border journeys, and efficient data exchanges between national authorities. When fines go unpaid, Belgium sends reminders in the driver's language and can request the driver's home country to pursue recovery, sometimes even via the tax office, according to VRT NWS.
The contrast is stark when it comes to French drivers. In the past five years, over 1.5 million fines were issued to vehicles registered in France, but nearly half of these have never been paid.
The SPF Justice highlights a structural issue: Belgian authorities are not always able to correctly identify the offending motorist in the EU database.
Without proper identification, no fine can be issued, which automatically increases the percentage of unpaid fines. Belgian officials say they plan to work with their French counterparts to address these shortcomings.
For non-EU drivers, the proportion of fines paid drops below 20%. Even within the European Union, there are major disparities. In Romania, just 37% of fines are paid. In Bulgaria, the figure is even lower at 27%.
However, the SPF Justice notes that these percentages should be interpreted in context, as the vast majority of violations are committed by drivers from neighbouring countries, who are far more numerous on Belgian roads.
Currently, European legislation allows for the exchange of data on eight major types of road offences. An upcoming directive will expand this list to 18 offences, making it easier to identify drivers, notify them of fines, and ensure payment.
This extension underpins the EU's 'Vision Zero' goal, which aims to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and approach zero by 2050. Clearer cross-border rules are intended to ensure that motorists respect traffic laws even when driving abroad.
