How much is a fine for speeding in Belgium?
Flagged or ticketed? In Belgium, the fines for speeding are divided into four degrees. The exact amounts are multiplied by the “decimes additionnels” (increase factor x8), making the final amounts substantially higher than the basic fines in the law.
The four degrees and their penalties (after decimes, 2024)
- First degree (1 to 10 km/h too fast): Fine from €160 to €400. No driving ban. Immediate collection possible.
- Second degree (11 to 20 km/h too fast): Fine from €400 to €2,000. Optional driving ban from 8 days to 5 years.
- Third degree (21 to 30 km/h speeding): Fine from €800 to €4,000. Optional driving ban; mandatory for repeat offenders.
- Fourth degree (more than 30 km/h speeding): Fine of €1,600 to €8,000. Mandatory driving ban of at least 8 days.
Notice: in case of recidivism within three years, the minimum sentences are doubled and the forfeiture of the right to steer can be pronounced, which requires you to pass medical, psychological, theoretical and practical exams.
Amicable settlement or subpoena?
For a speeding ticket, you usually receive either a proposal for immediate collection (amicable settlement) or a summons to police court.
- Amicable settlement payment: you implicitly acknowledge the facts, the prosecution lapses. Strategic advantage: no court proceedings. Disadvantage: no opportunity to contest.
- Refuse and appear in court: you retain the right to full defense - challenge the evidence, defer sentence, limited driving ban. Risk: the court may impose harsher penalties, but an attorney can greatly reduce this risk.
How do you contest a speeding ticket?
A speeding ticket may seem difficult to dispute, but there are more options than you think:
- Calibration of the radar system: each radar device must be calibrated and certified annually. An attorney requests the calibration certificate. An incorrect or expired certificate invalidates the measurement.
- Driver identification: in a flash based on a license plate, the driver must be identified. Doubts about identification can lead to acquittal.
- Force majeure or emergency: Did you have a medical emergency or was there a compelling reason? This can be a legal defense.
- Procedural errors: Was the subpoena served in a timely manner? Were all legal deadlines met?
Driving ban after speeding: solutions
Are you facing a mandatory driving ban for a fourth-degree misdemeanor? An attorney may request: postponement of the driving ban (for first offense), a limited driving ban for professional use, or staggered enforcement of the driving ban. No penalty is automatic - everything must be pleaded and legally supported.
Novex Lawyers - your lawyer speeding in Brussels
Novex Lawyers defends you before the police courts of Brussels, Halle, Leuven and Vilvoorde for speeding offenses of all degrees. We challenge the evidence, reduce your sentence, and protect your driver's license.
📞 048 499 22 72 | 📧 asfour@novexadvocaten.be | Avenue Louise 379, 1050 Bruxelles
