Fap Cleaner

Roadworthiness tests in Belgium

Vehicle roadworthiness tests in Belgium are compulsory and must be carried out periodically for all vehicles over 4 years old. The purpose of the test is to check that vehicles are in good working order and meet current safety and environmental standards.

Roadworthiness tests are carried out by centres approved by the Belgian Federal Public Service (“Service Public Fédéral” – SPF) Mobility and Transport. Vehicle owners must make an appointment at one of these centres to have their vehicle inspected. The centre then carries out a series of technical and administrative checks on the vehicle to ensure that it complies with the relevant standards.

The checks carried out during the roadworthiness test in Belgium cover several aspects of the vehicle, including:

• Exhaust gas emissions
• Brakes
• Tires
• Headlights and lights
• wing mirror
• Seat belts
• License plates

If the vehicle does not meet the standards, the owner will be informed of the repairs required to correct the defects.
If the vehicle complies, it will receive a certificate of conformity, which will be valid for a period determined by the age of the vehicle.

It’s important to note that roadworthiness testing in Belgium does not replace regular vehicle maintenance, which must be carried out by the owner in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the vehicle’s safety and reliability.

Controlling particulate emissions

From 1 July 2022, roadworthiness testing for particulate emissions will be stepped up in Belgium. The new regulations follow the introduction of stricter European pollutant emission standards for diesel vehicles fitted with particulate filters (DPFs).

Control of particulate emissions will be carried out using new measuring equipment called Opacimeter which will measure the quantity of particles emitted by the vehicle during the test. If the particulate emissions exceed the regulatory limits, the vehicle will not comply and will not be able to pass the technical inspection.

The new particulate test will be in addition to existing tests carried out during the technical inspection in Belgium, which cover several aspects of the vehicle, including exhaust emissions, brakes, tires, lights, mirrors and seat belts of security.

It is important to note that monitoring of particulate emissions will also be carried out during pollution controls in the city of Brussels and in certain Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Belgium.

It is therefore essential for owners of diesel vehicles fitted with DPF to ensure that their particulate filter is in good working order to avoid any risk of failing the roadworthiness test or the City of Brussels or low-emission zone pollution checks.

You have a problem with your vehicle, such as loss of power, an engine warning light on, exhaust fumes, or you’ve failed your roadworthiness test for pollution, contact us.

Before replacing expensive parts, don’t hesitate to contact our FAP Cleaner technicians who can accurately diagnose your problems and suggest alternative solutions before replacing the parts.