Bus drivers working for De Lijn will have their first three minor traffic offences reimbursed each year under a new uniform system being introduced across Flanders.
Under the new policy, drivers will only have to pay fines themselves from a fourth minor offence within a 12-month period.
More serious offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using a mobile phone while driving, will remain entirely the responsibility of the employee.
The new rules are intended to eliminate longstanding differences between provinces in how traffic fines were handled.
"Depending on the province where they worked, bus drivers previously paid a higher or lower personal contribution towards traffic fines," Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA) said.
The disparities were significant. In 2024, bus drivers in Limburg paid almost half of their traffic fines themselves, compared with just 13.5% in Antwerp.
Under the new framework, both the severity and frequency of offences committed within a 12-month period will be taken into account.
For minor speeding offences of up to 10 km/h above the limit, drivers will only become financially liable from the fourth offence within a year.
De Lijn will also cover a first speeding offence exceeding 10 km/h, provided the driver does not commit another offence in the same category during the following 12 months.
If a second offence occurs during that period, the driver will be required to pay both fines in full.
Serious infringements, including drink-driving, drug-driving and mobile phone use behind the wheel, will always be paid entirely by the employee.
According to De Ridder, the new system is designed to encourage greater responsibility among drivers.
"Those who are responsible for safely transporting thousands of passengers every day also carry a significant responsibility on the roads," she said.
"Road safety must always come first, for drivers, passengers and all other road users."
