Belgium vs Japan 2026: EUR 58 vs JPY 9,000 First Speeding Fine

Belgium vs Japan puts a first speeding fine of EUR 58 beside JPY 9,000, and a 120 km/h motorway beside 100 km/h. Belgium drives on the right and allows 0.05% alcohol; Japan drives on the left and allows 0.03%. Belgium has no motorway tolls for cars, while its cities police low-emission zones by camera and Brussels defaults to 30 km/h.

Belgium’s regional rural limits, Brussels at 30 km/h

Belgium sets a 30 km/h default in Brussels, strictly enforced, and 120 km/h on motorways, with rural roads at 70 km/h in Flanders and 90 km/h in Wallonia. Section control cameras are spreading quickly, and the average tolerance is 6 km/h. Japan’s ordinary roads default to 60 km/h and its expressways run 100 km/h, with designated sections at 120 km/h.

Belgium’s 0.05% and Japan’s 0.03%

Japan’s limit is the stricter by two hundredths of a percent. Belgium charges EUR 116 for a seatbelt and EUR 174 for a handheld phone or a red light, against JPY 18,000 for a Japanese phone and JPY 9,000 for a red light; Japan adds points, and Belgium allows a supervised learner at 17.

Belgium’s recognised list, Japan’s 1949 permit

Belgium lists the permit as recommended. Non-EU licences on the federal recognised list need no permit, among them the US and the Canadian provinces Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island with an authentication certificate; other licences need an international permit. Visitors have 12 months. Japan lists the permit as required, counts only the 1949 version and allows 12 months.

Speeding ticket: Belgium’s EUR 58 and Japan’s JPY 9,000

Belgium charges EUR 58 at about 10 km/h over, EUR 116 at about 20 and EUR 179 or a court appearance at about 30. Japan charges JPY 9,000 from 1 to 15 km/h over, climbing in 5 km/h steps to JPY 18,000 at 26-30 over, then JPY 25,000 and JPY 35,000 or more on expressways. Belgium collects fines across borders; Japan lists no such collection.

No winter-tyre law in Belgium, a situational rule in Japan

Belgium does not require winter tyres, prohibits studs and sets a 1.6 mm minimum tread. Japan requires winter tyres or chains when the road is snow-covered or frozen, with the period set by each prefecture and studs limited to designated areas.

No car tolls in Belgium, and who answers which number

Belgium charges no tolls for passenger cars; the Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp costs EUR 6 and lorries pay by distance through Viapass. Belgium answers on 112 for general calls, with separate lines for the police, ambulance and fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Belgium have motorway tolls for cars?

No. The Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp costs EUR 6.

What is the default speed limit in Brussels?

30 km/h, strictly enforced.

What are Belgian rural limits?

70 km/h in Flanders and 90 km/h in Wallonia.

Which cities in Belgium use low-emission-zone cameras?

Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.

Can a US licence be used in Belgium without a permit?

Yes, US licences are on the federal recognised list.