The start of August does not only mean that we are halfway through the summer holidays, but also that some new measures are coming into effect in Belgium.
The changes and how they will impact people can be found here.
Registering a second-hand motorcycle becomes easier
Anyone wishing to register a second-hand motorcycle, moped, speed pedelec, tricycle, or light four-wheeler that was previously registered in Belgium will no longer need to go to the post office.
Since 2023, people had to go to a bpost office to first cancel the vehicle's registration certificate and then obtain an "application for registration" form, to register it under their own name. This will no longer be necessary as of 1 August: the insurer can then register the vehicle directly.
The new procedure "simplifies administration and saves you €12," according to the authorities.
New procedure for cancelling license plates
Anyone wishing to have a license plate cancelled will no longer be able to drop it off free of charge at bpost. Sending it via post will be charged, meaning that anyone wishing to keep it free will have to physically take the license plate to Brussels.
Until now, bpost handled the cancellation and the license plate could be handed in free of charge. However, starting 1 August, the deregistration process will be handled entirely by the Vehicle Registration Department (DIV).
There are several ways to have your license plate deregistered. To keep it free, you can deposit the plate in a collection box at the DIV or at the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport – both located on the Rue du Progrès in Brussels near the North Station.
A second option is to package the plate (for example, folded in an A4 envelope) and send it to 'DIV - 1212 Brussels.' This costs at least €5.15.
Credit: Belga/Laurie Dieffembacq
Bpost also offers a new service, where the license plate can be handed in unpackaged, and the postal company will deliver it to the DIV deregistration service the following business day. The fee for this is €17.99.
The license plate that must be returned is the official one (meaning the one with the DIV logo, which is normally displayed on the rear of the vehicle).
The government department stressed that deregistration is often not necessary: anyone trading in their vehicle for another vehicle of the same category can keep the license plate. Registration needs to be completed within four months.
Roadworks on Brussels Ring Road
While not exactly a new measure, traffic disruptions on the Brussels Ring Road will start on 1 August as the Roads and Traffic Agency will carry out maintenance work.
For all of August, traffic will be disrupted in both directions on the Brussels Ring Road between Halle and Beersel: a new asphalt layer will be laid over a distance of 3.5 kilometres. Passengers will have two lanes instead of three at all times.
The Agency expects "moderate to severe disruptions" on the outer ring road during the evening rush hour. On the inner ring road, it expects "mainly moderate disruptions" during the morning rush hour. At other times, the impact on traffic will be limited.
