Belgians have a soft spot for their cars, as do many expats who settle in the country. But many foreign nationals risk a run-in with the police due to a little-known law.
If visiting Belgium, it is possible to drive around the country on a foreign driving licence without hindrance. But those residing permanently in Belgium must hand in their foreign licence for a Belgian one after a certain period of time.
The rules concerning swapping driving licences are not uniform and can be confusing to many expats. Different rules apply to different types of licence and their country of issue. Requests to exchange driving licences are handled by local communes, but subject to federal law.
Alongside the FPS Mobility and Transport, The Brussels Times has created a guide on how and when to obtain a Belgian document for holders of a foreign drivers licence.
EU driver's licence holders
It is a common misconception that holding an EU driver's licence means that there is no need to exchange it for a Belgian licence. This is not entirely true: it may still need to be exchanged if resident in Belgium, depending on what type of licence it is and when it was issued.
"The exchange of a European licence is compulsory within two years after registration in Belgium if it is a paper licence, a bank card format licence without a validity end date, or a category that is valid for more than 15 years," Carolien Van Relegem, project leader for internal communications at the FPS Mobility and Transport, told The Brussels Times.
These licences must be exchanged within this two year window at the local commune or municipality where the expat is registered. Those needing to exchange a licence should go to their municipality in person (an appointment is typically required) with a copy of their identity card and a passport photo.
In Brussels, the cost of this service is set by the commune, but typically costs around €30.
All other EU credit card format licences must be exchanged with the holder's local municipality at least three months before they expire. Even when using a valid European driver's licence that does not need to be handed in after two years, some communes ask those driving with them to register with the local authorities.
If drivers do not exchange their paper or non-admissible drivers licence types within two years, they risk being fined during roadside checks.
Non-EU drivers licence
To drive on a non-EU drivers licence in Belgium (while resident in Belgium), expats should first check if the driver's licence issued in their own country can be used. A full list of accepted documents for use in Belgium can be found here. These licences can be used for 185 days from the expat's registration at their commune, after which time they must be exchanged for a Belgian driver's licence.
"A citizen holding a non-EU driving licence, such as a UK licence, is obliged to apply for a Belgian licence from 185 days after registration. The consequence of not doing so is no longer being entitled to drive in Belgium and the risk of being fined," Van Relegem warned.
To swap the licence for a Belgian one, the licence must still be valid, issued during a period when the user was not resident in Belgium, match the driver's nationality and be proven to be genuine by the government.
The exact procedure for exchanging a non-EU licence for a Belgian one varies according to the municipality. But, typically, applicants must appear at their commune with their Belgian ID, original driving licence (plus translation by a sworn translator if the document is not legible), as well as a recent passport photo. The service costs around €30.
Benefits of the Belgian driver's licence
The Belgian driver's licence is valid for ten years and has its strengths, having been consistently ranked the most powerful of its kind in the world. It allows for hassle-free travel across Europe, and also globally.
"The Belgian driving licence is recognised in many countries outside of Europe. It is recognised by all countries that have signed the Geneva and Vienna Conventions (1949 and 1968), and by countries that have signed a bilateral agreement with Belgium," the FPS Mobility spokesperson said.
That being said, it is still advisable to use an international licence while travelling outside the EU. This can also be requested at the commune.
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To the benefit of many expat globetrotters, the Belgian licence can be exchanged internationally in other countries, both in the EU, as well as in locations such as Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and Switzerland. China is one of the only major destinations in which Belgian licences are not valid.
Given the potential penalties for not exchanging a foreign licence for a Belgian one, the ministry advises expats to consult their local municipality in case of doubt. More guidance can be found here.
"Anyone registered in Belgium and in possession of an EU or non-EU driving licence is strongly advised to contact their local commune as soon as possible to find out about the exchange procedure. A number of conditions must be met, depending on the case, and each application is dealt with individually," Van Relegem concluded.
