In Belgium, driving without a valid license plate is a violation of the Vehicle Registration Act (WIV). The consequences can be serious: in addition to a substantial fine, you risk the immediate immobilization of your vehicle. In this article, Novex Lawyers clarifies exactly what “driving without a license plate” entails, what penalties apply and how you can defend yourself.
What constitutes “driving without a license plate”?
The legislature targets several situations: driving without any license plate, driving with an expired or revoked license plate, driving with a forged or stolen license plate, and driving with a license plate from another vehicle. Driving an unapproved vehicle (without a valid inspection certificate) can also be prosecuted through the same route in certain cases.
What are the penalties?
Driving without a valid registration or license plate is a violation of the fourth degree (category 3 WIV) and is punishable by a fine of 200 to 2,000 euros (to be multiplied by the legal opdeciemen, usually factor of 8). In addition, the police may immobilize your vehicle immediately until the situation is regularized. In serious cases (forgery), criminal law may apply, resulting in a correctional conviction.
Can the driving ban also be imposed?
By itself, driving without a license plate does not automatically lead to a driving ban. But if the offenses are combined with other offenses (driving without insurance, driving without a license, alcohol intoxication), the police judge may well issue a forfeiture of the right to drive in addition to the fine.
Driving without insurance: an additional risk
A vehicle without a valid license plate is also often not insured or not insured correctly. Driving without insurance is a serious offense in Belgium, punishable by a fine of 1,100 to 11,000 euros (× 8 opdeciemen) and a mandatory driving ban of at least eight days. In addition, you are personally liable for any damage you cause in a traffic accident.
Temporary license plates: what are the rules?
Those who have purchased a vehicle but are still waiting for the final registration can apply to the DIV for a temporary license plate (trader plate or transit plate) applications. The use of such plates is strictly regulated and may only be used for well-defined purposes. Abuse thereof is subject to criminal prosecution.
How can you defend yourself?
A lawyer specializing in traffic law can examine the regularity of the finding (police report, equipment used, authority of the offending officer), consider whether there are mitigating circumstances, and assist you in police court. In certain cases, a amicable settlement possibly even before the case goes to trial.
Need assistance with a traffic violation?
Novex Lawyers specializes in traffic law and assists you at all stages of the proceedings: from the initial hearing to the plea hearing before the police court. Contact us for a prompt and confidential discussion of your case.
Also read: Driving under the influence of drugs in Belgium: consequences and punishment