Lawyer Speeding Brussels | Novex Advocaten
Were you flagged or ticketed for a speeding violation in Brussels, Halle, Leuven or Vilvoorde? The consequences can be heavier than you think: from a high fine to a driving ban and even the loss of the right to drive. Novex Advocaten defends you before the police court and strives for the best possible outcome.
Direct contact: 048 499 22 72 | asfour@novexadvocaten.be
What penalties do you risk for a speeding ticket?
Belgian road traffic law distinguishes four degrees of speeding. The penalty depends on the exceeding of the authorized speed:
- First degree (1 to 10 km/h too fast): fine, no driving ban.
- Second degree (11 to 20 km/h too fast): higher fine, optional driving ban from 8 days to 5 years.
- Third degree (21 to 30 km/h speeding): fine, optional driving ban from 8 days to 5 years. For repeat offences, mandatory driving ban.
- Fourth degree (more than 30 km/h speeding): fine, mandatory driving ban of minimum 8 days to 5 years. For repeat offences more severe mandatory driving ban.
De geldboete wordt steeds vermenigvuldigd met de opdeciemen (x8). België kent geen puntenrijbewijs: u verliest dus geen punten. Bij zware overtredingen of recidive kan de rechter wel het verval van het recht tot sturen uitspreken en u verplichten medische, psychologische, theoretische en praktische examens af te leggen.
Amicable settlement or subpoena: what are the options?
For lighter speeding violations, you will often receive an offer of out-of-court settlement (immediate collection). If you pay this, the prosecution lapses but you implicitly acknowledge the facts. For more serious offences or if the amicable settlement is refused, you will be summoned to the police court.
A lawyer can advise you whether accepting the amicable settlement is strategically wise, or whether contesting it in court is more likely to be successful.
Can a lawyer reduce the sentence?
Absolutely. In several areas, a specialised traffic law lawyer can make a difference:
- Contestation of evidence: Is the radar or laser gun correctly calibrated and certified? Is the fix correctly documented? Technical defects can lead to acquittal.
- Procedural errors: Was the writ of summons served in a timely and proper manner? Were all legal deadlines met?
- Mitigating circumstances: an impeccable driving record, emergency situation, state of emergency - all these elements can limit the penalty.
- Deferral or suspension: for a first offence, the judge may grant a deferred sentence, meaning the driving ban will not be effectively enforced if you do not commit a new offence.
- Restricted driving ban: the judge may limit a driving ban to weekends or to certain categories of vehicles so that you continue to drive professionally.
Recidivism in speeding: more severe consequences
A repeat of a second-, third- or fourth-degree speeding violation within three years automatically increases the penalty. A mandatory driving ban, higher fines and even the forfeiture of the right to drive are then possible. Thus, it is crucial to mount a solid defence as early as the first offence.
Speeding in a school environment or 30 zone
Violations in a 30 zone, a school zone or a 20 zone are punished particularly severely. The judge has little margin to mitigate the punishment, and in the case of repeat offences, the mandatory driving ban is quickly a reality. In such cases, the intervention of a lawyer is even more important.
Flashed on highway or freeway?
Higher speed limits apply on freeways, but the four degrees also apply here. Exceedances of more than 30 mph on a freeway are particularly punishable and almost automatically lead to a driving ban. A lawyer can check whether the measurement method is foolproof and whether there are procedural or technical arguments to reduce the penalty.
Contact Novex Advocaten
Did you receive a summons or out-of-court settlement for a speeding violation? Consult a specialised traffic lawyer as soon as possible. Novex Advocaten represents you before the police courts of Brussels, Halle, Leuven and Vilvoorde, in Dutch, French and English.
📞 048 499 22 72
📧 asfour@novexadvocaten.be
📍 Avenue Louise 379, 1050 Brussels