Driving through a red light
One of the most common traffic offences
The law considers this behaviour as directly endangering other road users.
You are very likely to be summoned to the police court, especially in dangerous circumstances or in case of repeat offences.
When are you in violation?
You commit this offence when you:
drive through a red traffic light or fail to stop at an orange-red light
enter a blocked intersection and obstruct the passage
continue driving while the light has just turned red, recorded by a speed camera or traffic camera
Even if no accident occurred, it remains a serious offence.
Possible penalties
Fine from €174 to €4,000 (after surcharges this can exceed €16,000)
Driving ban from 8 days to 5 years
Re-examination requirements (theory, practical, medical or psychological assessment)
In case of an accident or repeat offence: mandatory appearance before the court
What can a lawyer do?
A traffic lawyer can:
check whether the offence was recorded legally and correctly;
verify whether you were considered “the driver” according to legal definition;
argue mitigating circumstances or request suspension of judgment;
and help prevent a driving ban or criminal record.
Contact us for a free first consultation — we review your case and help reduce the impact.
Speeding fine
Speeding? Find out what you need to know about speeding and how to get quick legal advice.
Alcohol in traffic
Drinking and driving? Read here what you need to know about drunk driving and how to get quick legal advice.
Driver liability and defence
Have you been involved in a traffic accident in which someone was injured? In that case, you may be prosecuted for a traffic offence causing bodily harm. Such a situation creates a great deal of uncertainty:
Property damage
In a traffic accident with no injuries, we speak of property damage – damage to vehicles, infrastructure or personal belongings.
Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs is considered by law a fourth-degree traffic violation.
Technical inspection
Driving without a valid technical inspection
Driving without a driver's license
Driving without a license is considered a fourth-degree serious traffic violation in Belgium. The law considers this a direct threat to road safety.
Driving during a driving ban
Driving while banned is one of the most serious traffic violations in Belgium. The law considers this a fourth-degree felony, as you knowingly ignore a decision by a judge or prosecutor.
Driver message
When a vehicle is registered in the name of a company or organization and a traffic violation is detected (e.g., speeding, running a red light, using a mobile phone, etc.), the company's legal representative is obligated to report the driver's identity to the authorities.
Cell phone use while driving
Using a mobile phone while driving is one of the most commonly recorded traffic violations in Belgium.
Road checks
For minor speeding violations, the penalty is imposed by the municipality, not the police or the public prosecutor's office, through average speed checks.
Victim of accident
Hit and run
Involved in a hit-and-run? Discover what you need to know about driving away after an accident and how to get quick legal advice.