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Belgium Highway Toll, HGV Transit Toll and Toll Box 2025: Complete Guide
System: Viapass Kilometre Charging System
Operator: Viapass (supervised by Belgian Government)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Coverage: 6,800+ km of highways and major roads
Technology: GNSS satellite tracking (OBU required)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Belgium? 2025 Update
Belgium operates a dual toll system depending on vehicle type:
Cars and Light Vehicles (≤3.5 tonnes):
- FREE on all highways and motorways
- Liefkenshoek Tunnel only: €6.10 per passage (near Antwerp)
Heavy Vehicles (>3.5 tonnes):
- Mandatory OBU (On-Board Unit) required
- Distance-based tolls via Viapass system
- Covers trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes
- Semi-trailer tractors N1 category with body code BC (regardless of weight)
Belgium Toll System: Viapass
The Viapass system replaced the Eurovignette on April 1, 2016, introducing satellite-based distance charging.
Coverage Areas
Belgium has three toll regions with different rates:
- Flanders (northern region)
- Wallonia (southern region)
- Brussels (capital region - highways and urban areas)
Vehicle Categories Subject to Tolls
| Vehicle Type | Weight Category | Toll Requirement | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles, light vans | ≤3.5 tonnes | FREE (except Liefkenshoek Tunnel) | Cash/card at tunnel |
| Trucks, buses, heavy motorhomes | >3.5 tonnes | Mandatory Viapass OBU | Distance-based via OBU |
| Semi-trailer tractors N1/BC | Any weight | Mandatory Viapass OBU | Distance-based via OBU |
Toll Rates and Calculation
Viapass toll rates depend on three main factors:
Rate Factors
- Region: Flanders, Wallonia, or Brussels
- Vehicle weight: Three categories (3.5-12t, 12-32t, >32t)
- EURO emission class: Seven standards (EURO 0 to EURO VI)
Weight Categories
| Weight Category | Vehicle Examples | Rate Structure |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5 - 12 tonnes | Light trucks, small buses | Lowest per-km rate |
| 12 - 32 tonnes | Standard trucks, coaches | Medium per-km rate |
| Over 32 tonnes | Heavy trucks, articulated vehicles | Highest per-km rate |
EURO Emission Standards
- EURO VI (newest): Lowest toll rates
- EURO V: Low rates
- EURO IV-III: Medium rates
- EURO II-I: Higher rates
- EURO 0 (oldest): Highest toll rates
OBU (On-Board Unit) Requirements
Mandatory OBU Features
- Green light indicator: Must be constantly ON while driving
- Satellite tracking: GNSS technology for precise distance measurement
- Regional detection: Automatically identifies toll zone
- Tamper protection: Sealed unit with anti-fraud measures
How to Obtain an OBU
Seven Accredited Service Providers:
- Satellic (primary operator)
- Axxès
- Eurotoll
- Telepass
- Toll4Europe
- TotalEnergies Marketing Services
- W.A.G. Payment Solutions
Acquisition Methods:
- Online registration: Through provider websites
- Service points: Located throughout Belgium and neighboring countries
- Border points: Available at major crossings from France, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg
- Self-service terminals: Automated dispensers at strategic locations
OBU Costs and Deposits
- Device cost: FREE from most providers
- Security deposit: €135 (refunded when device returned undamaged)
- Service fees: May vary by provider
- Payment options: Prepaid, postpaid, credit cards, fleet cards
Enforcement and Penalties
Monitoring System
- 40 dedicated police officers: Regular roadside checks
- 22 mobile cameras: Locations change every 4 hours
- 40 permanent control bridges: Fixed camera installations
- Automatic weight detection: License plate monitoring with weight calculation
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Belgium imposes heavy fines for toll violations:
- Driving without functioning OBU
- Tampering with or covering OBU
- Using incorrect vehicle classification
- Specific penalty amounts vary by violation severity
Special Toll: Liefkenshoek Tunnel
The only toll for passenger cars in Belgium:
Current Tunnel Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Standard Rate | Electronic Payment | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles | €6.10 | €6.10 | Cash, credit card, OBU |
| Heavy vehicles | Varies by size | Via OBU | Automatic via Viapass |
Recent Changes (2025)
- July 2024: Updated toll rates in Flanders and Brussels regions
- Enhanced OBU technology: Improved accuracy and anti-fraud measures
- Expanded provider network: Additional service providers accredited
- Digital integration: Better cross-border compatibility with neighboring systems
- Enforcement upgrades: More sophisticated monitoring equipment deployed
Belgium vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | Light Vehicles | Heavy Vehicles | System Type | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | FREE (except 1 tunnel) | Distance-based OBU | Viapass GNSS | All highways |
| France | Distance-based tolls | Distance-based tolls | Toll stations + OBU | Most highways |
| Netherlands | FREE | Eurovignette | Time-based vignette | Selected routes |
| Germany | FREE | Distance-based OBU | Toll Collect system | All autobahns |
| Luxembourg | FREE | Eurovignette | Time-based vignette | Selected routes |
Planning Your Belgium Journey
For Car Drivers
- Highway travel: Completely FREE
- Tunnel consideration: Only Liefkenshoek Tunnel charges €6.10
- Alternative routes: Free alternatives available around tunnel
- No preparation needed: No vignettes, tags, or advance payments required
For Truck Operators
- Pre-arrival preparation: Obtain OBU before entering Belgium
- Provider selection: Choose from 7 accredited service providers
- Route planning: All major highways subject to distance-based charging
- Cross-border efficiency: Some OBUs work in multiple European countries
Cost Estimation Tips
- Distance calculation: Use route planners to estimate toll distances
- Emission class impact: Newer EURO standards significantly reduce costs
- Regional variations: Rates differ between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels
- Time considerations: No peak/off-peak pricing differences
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay tolls for driving through Belgium with a car?
No, Belgian highways are completely free for cars and light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Only the Liefkenshoek Tunnel near Antwerp charges €6.10.
Can I drive a truck in Belgium without an OBU?
No, all heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must have a functioning OBU showing a green light at all times. Violations result in heavy fines.
Which countries' OBUs work in Belgium?
Belgium uses the Viapass system, which is separate from other European toll systems. You need a Belgium-specific OBU from one of the seven accredited providers.
How long can I keep an OBU if I'm not returning to Belgium?
If you don't plan to return within three weeks, you should return the OBU to get your €135 deposit refunded. Extended rentals may incur additional charges.
Are there toll-free alternatives to Belgian highways?
Yes, national and regional roads remain toll-free, but they're slower and less efficient for long-distance travel.
Do emission standards really affect toll costs?
Yes, significantly. EURO VI vehicles pay much less than EURO 0-III vehicles. The difference can be substantial over long distances.
Can I pay Belgian tolls with foreign fleet cards?
Most accredited OBU providers accept various international fleet cards and payment methods. Check with your preferred provider for specific options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Eurovignette still works - Belgium left the Eurovignette system in 2016
- Forgetting OBU for semi-trailers under 3.5t - N1/BC category vehicles need OBUs regardless of weight
- Not checking OBU green light - Device must show green continuously while driving
- Wrong emission class declaration - Ensure accurate EURO standard registration for correct rates
- Ignoring Liefkenshoek Tunnel toll - The only toll for cars in Belgium
- Delayed OBU return - Return devices promptly to avoid additional charges
Technical Requirements
OBU Installation
- Windscreen mounting: Specific position requirements
- Clear satellite view: No obstructions above device
- Secure attachment: Tamper-evident installation
- Visibility: Green light must be clearly visible to enforcement
System Integration
- EETS compatibility: European Electronic Toll Service member
- Cross-border recognition: Some providers offer multi-country solutions
- Real-time tracking: GNSS-based precise location monitoring
- Automatic invoicing: Distance and rate calculation without driver intervention
Useful Links & Resources
- Official Viapass Information
- Satellic (Primary OBU Provider)
- Liefkenshoek Tunnel Information
- Customer Support: Each OBU provider offers 24/7 technical assistance
