Vintage cars can now enter Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Ghent and Antwerp without restriction. However, unlike in Brussels, this permission is not automatic and requires registration to avoid fines.
New rules for Low Emission Zones
According to the new rules, owners of vintage cars can obtain an individual free permit to enter the LEZ zones in Antwerp and Ghent. Previously, access was allowed only up to 12 times per year with a daily pass costing 35 euros. With this reform, Flanders is following Brussels’ example by making the entry permit permanent and free.
Permit for cars over 40 years old
It is worth noting that such a permit already existed in Ghent and Antwerp, but it only applied to vehicles “with significant historical value,” which had to be over 40 years old – 10 years older than the current required age for a car to be considered vintage (30 years). This rule existed because Antwerp and Ghent did not want to admit cars that already had to meet Euro standards, and which, in the case of younger vintage cars, 95% complied with Euro 1 standards for gasoline emissions.
Which cars are covered by this reform?
To be allowed into the LEZ zones in Ghent and Antwerp, vehicles must be over 30 years old from their first registration and registered as retro vehicles. They must have a special license plate: “O”, “1-O”, or a personalized plate with the red “OLD” sticker. These vehicles must not be used for commercial or professional purposes, for commuting, or for school transport.
Mandatory registration
In Ghent and Antwerp, the permit is not automatically granted, as it is in Brussels. Therefore, it is necessary to register your vehicle before entering these two Flemish cities. This registration is valid as long as the license plate remains in the owner’s name and applies to all Flemish cities with LEZ zones, making the process unified and free. It is recommended to register immediately upon entering an LEZ zone to avoid a fine.
How to register?
To register a vintage car, you need the vehicle’s registration certificate. The city of Ghent’s website provides detailed explanations and an online form for obtaining the permit. In Antwerp, you can register through the official portal or send an email with the registration certificate to LEZ@antwerpen.be, specifying the desired entry date. For vehicles registered abroad, the registration is valid for five years, with the possibility of renewal.
With this decision, Flanders aligns with Brussels, allowing vintage car enthusiasts to move more freely while preserving the overall automotive heritage.