Belgium to deduct traffic fines from recalcitrant’s pay slip

According to the Federal Public Services for Justice and Finance, 94% of fined traffic offenders pay a fine spontaneously. This means that 6% of infringers refuse to pay voluntarily. However, in the future, recalcitrant offenders risk seeing the amount disappear from their pay slips automatically.

In March 2020, a new procedure was introduced. Since then, defaulters who stubbornly refuse to pay immediately receive an order for payment. It’s a kind of final reminder to pay, which is also 35% higher than the original amicable settlement. Offenders have 30 days to liquidate their debts. In the meantime, one million such orders have been issued.

Distraint on wages

Offenders who still do not pay risk, for example, distraint on wages, a visit from a bailiff, or their car can be confiscated during a traffic check. They also risk losing benefits or rental income. And foreign offenders do not escape either.

Since March 2020, FPS for Justice and FPS for Finance have linked their databases. As a result, the latter can claim the fine through the tax authorities or through a bailiff, but it can also force the infringer’s employer to pay part of his salary directly to the state treasury.

According to both Federal Public Services, “this procedure allows public prosecutors to prosecute more offenses and focus more on the more serious traffic offenses,” a press release explains. Offenders who do not agree with the established violation can always appeal against the payment order. According to figures, this happens in only 1,34% of the cases.