Brussels, Belgium – Sundays in Belgium remain a day of rest and quiet, rooted in Christian traditions but deeply embedded in the country’s culture regardless of religious beliefs. While modern life has become increasingly fast-paced, many Belgians still consider Sundays a time for relaxation and family.
As a result, certain activities are either prohibited or discouraged, with regulations varying across regions. From mowing lawns to shopping, here’s what you can and can’t do on Sundays in Belgium.
Lawn Mowing: An Urban Myth or Legal Restriction?
As spring and summer bring lush green lawns, the temptation to mow the grass on a Sunday is strong. However, in Belgium, this is more than just a matter of preference; it is often subject to local laws.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the use of motorized gardening equipment, including lawnmowers, is strictly forbidden on Sundays and public holidays. This is part of the regional government’s QUIET.BRUSSELS initiative, designed to minimize noise pollution and improve the quality of life for residents.
Outside of Brussels, the rules are less clear-cut. Around 40% of municipalities in Flanders and Wallonia prohibit mowing on Sundays, often imposing hefty fines for violations.
Another 40% allow mowing every day of the week, while the remaining 20% implement partial restrictions, limiting mowing hours to a small window, usually between 10:00 and 12:00.
Exceptions exist for those living in remote areas, though official permission from the mayor is technically required.
Additionally, quiet robotic mowers, which have become more common in Belgian households, can be used at any time, as they do not produce significant noise pollution.
Construction and DIY Work: What’s Allowed?
Public construction work is heavily regulated in Belgium. By law, no public construction can take place on Sundays, public holidays, or during night hours unless a contractor receives a special permit.
Additionally, Sunday is considered an official day off for construction workers, meaning private employers cannot schedule work on that day.
However, for private individuals, the rules are less stringent. Homeowners are free to carry out renovations or construction projects on Sundays, provided they do not create excessive noise. Activities such as painting, plastering, or installing insulation are permissible.
However, loud activities involving electric saws, jackhammers, or cement mixers are generally restricted. Regulations differ by municipality, but noise disturbances are typically prohibited between 22:00 and 07:00.
Disposing of Glass: A Regional Divide
For those looking to clean up after a Saturday night gathering, depositing empty bottles in glass containers can be a tricky matter.
In Brussels, as well as most major Belgian cities, it is permitted to dispose of glass waste on Sundays, though it is restricted during night hours between 22:00 and 07:00.
However, in smaller municipalities, Sundays are treated as a strict day of rest, and glass disposal is often prohibited altogether.
Recycling centers and designated glass collection points typically display signage outlining the regulations, ensuring residents know when they can and cannot dispose of glass waste.
Sunday Shopping: A Long-Standing Tradition of Closure
For non-Belgians, particularly those from the UK or the United States, it may come as a surprise that most grocery stores and retail shops in Belgium remain closed on Sundays.
This long-standing practice is rooted in labor laws that mandate Sunday as a rest day for workers. Most major supermarket chains, including Aldi, Lidl, Cora, Makro, Okay, and Colruyt, close their doors entirely on Sundays.
However, some Delhaize, Carrefour, and Albert Heijn branches operate under reduced hours, typically only opening in the morning. Additionally, small urban grocery stores often remain open throughout the day.
There is a growing trend toward relaxed Sunday shopping rules. The Colruyt Group has announced plans to open all Okay convenience stores on Sunday mornings, while Carrefour has also expanded its Sunday operating hours.
Independent retailers, especially those in busy urban areas, are increasingly choosing to remain open to accommodate customer demand.
Traffic Restrictions: Weekend Limits for Heavy Vehicles
In addition to restrictions on noise and commercial activity, Belgium enforces weekend driving bans on heavy transport vehicles.
On highways with fewer than three lanes moving in the same direction, vehicles classified as “exceptional transport”—those exceeding 3.5 meters in width—are subject to a driving ban from Saturday at 12:00 until midnight on Sunday.
These regulations aim to improve road safety and reduce congestion, particularly on highways that see heavy weekend traffic due to leisure travel.
Exceptions can be granted for emergency or essential transport, but they require prior authorization from the appropriate authorities.
A Cultural Commitment to Rest and Quiet
While some may view these Sunday restrictions as outdated or inconvenient, they remain a key part of Belgian culture. The rules serve to preserve a sense of community and ensure that residents can enjoy at least one day of peace and quiet each week.
Despite ongoing debates about modernizing labor and commercial laws to allow for greater flexibility on Sundays, Belgians continue to uphold their traditions of rest and relaxation.
For newcomers and visitors, understanding these customs—and respecting them—can go a long way in fostering good relations with neighbors and local authorities alike.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
