Brussels Car-Free Sunday 2026: what you need to know

If you're planning the September 20 shift in Brussels, start with each vehicle's taxi category. The paperwork isn't the same for every car in your fleet.

September 20, from 09:30 to 19:00

Car-Free Sunday takes place on Sunday, September 20, 2026, across all 19 Brussels communes. Traffic restrictions run from 09:30 to 19:00, Brussels time. Vehicles allowed to circulate must stay within 30 km/h. City of Brussels event details.

Allow some room around your pickup times. Barriers and tunnels close and reopen progressively, and local activities can keep some streets closed for longer. Practical information.

Station taxis: no exemption application

Station taxis can circulate without requesting an exemption. Checks use the TX registration plate and roof light (spoutnik).

Street taxis: apply with the vehicle's authorization

Street taxis need an exemption. Attach a copy or photo of the vehicle's taxi vignette or authorization. Booking evidence isn't required with this application.

Legacy LVC: include booked rides

LVC vehicles that haven't transitioned to street-taxi status need an exemption, the vehicle's vignette or authorization, and evidence of booked rides. Submit the complete request by the applicable deadline below.

These category rules come from Brussels Mobility's taxi guidance. Check the category on your authorization before choosing the paperwork.

Documents to prepare

Keep a legible authorization copy for each vehicle that needs an exemption, plus booking evidence for legacy LVC vehicles. Name the files by registration plate so they're easy to match.

The taxi guidance directs applications to your commune of residence. Non-Brussels residents can choose a commune or apply where they mainly work. Submit one request to one commune. For several vehicles, contact that commune for its grouped application list. These exemptions cover professional use only. Taxi application instructions.

September 16 is the regional deadline. Yours may be earlier.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 is the regional closing date for exemption requests, including street taxis. Local cutoffs can be earlier: the official directory lists September 9 for business applications in Ixelles and September 13 in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Confirm the deadline and collection arrangements for your taxi application directly with the commune. Commune contacts and deadlines.

Set your internal deadline ahead of that cutoff. Give someone time to follow up on missing documents and collect the passes.

A checklist for fleet managers

Our suggested check before confirming Sunday's assignments:

• Match every planned vehicle to its current taxi category.
• Record who owns each application and when they'll follow up.
• Track requests as submitted, approved and collected separately.
• Check that the assigned driver has the documents for the assigned car.
• Review pickup locations and agree how to handle an inaccessible street.

What to give drivers before September 20

Send each driver one short brief with their vehicle, shift, pickup details and an operations contact. Include the exemption where required: the pass must be displayed at the front of the vehicle.

Drivers must be able to show evidence of an upcoming, current or completed ride during a check. The street-taxi application rule doesn't remove this on-the-day requirement. Brussels Mobility's driver instructions.

We suggest asking drivers to confirm they've received the brief and can open the documents before leaving.

Keep your drivers, vehicles and operational documents organized with Tomcabs.

Checked against official information on September 8, 2026. Confirm any updated instructions with your commune before the day.