From 1 September, mandatory inspections for second-hand vehicles will no longer be required for cars and motorbikes purchased within Belgium by Flemish residents. The reform, approved by the Flemish government on Friday, marks a significant change in vehicle regulations, Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie, N-VA) said. Imported vehicles, however, will still need to undergo inspections.
The reform aims to eliminate “gold-plating,” a term used to describe the imposition of stricter rules than those required by European standards. While the changes faced opposition from the Vooruit party in recent months, the government emphasized that the adjustments would simplify compliance and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for vehicle owners.
Under the new rules, the CarPass system — which records mileage and other vehicle information — will remain mandatory during all sales transactions. Vehicle owners who wish to have a pre-sale inspection can still request an early periodic check, providing flexibility for buyers and sellers.
Inspection schedules are also being updated. Older vehicles, which previously required annual checks, will now be inspected every two years. This extension, which formerly applied only to cars under ten years old, will now include passenger cars older than ten years or those with more than 160,000 kilometres on the odometer. From 2026 to 2028, vans and light freight vehicles will gradually move from annual to biennial inspections. Taxis, ambulances, agricultural vehicles, buses, and fairground trucks will also see extended inspection timelines.
Several practical simplifications are being introduced. Installing a tow hitch will no longer require inspection approval, and vehicle owners will not need to show proof of insurance during inspections, as coverage is verified federally via ANPR cameras. The temporary three-month certificate for administrative shortcomings will be abolished, and minor defects will now receive standard certificates. Additionally, the repair deadline for vehicles failing inspection with a red card will increase from 15 days to two months.
Looking ahead, the Flemish government plans to approve a further reform by the end of next year, allowing garages to carry out vehicle inspections. Officials say this will modernize the system and make it easier for vehicle owners to comply with safety regulations while reducing administrative overhead, making the process simpler for every used car in Flanders.
