Parliamentary immunity shields Belgian MP from driving ban and fine

Alain Yzermans, a federal deputy and mayor of Houthalen-Helchteren, was caught exceeding the speed limit in Genk and faced a licence revocation, a monetary penalty and legal fees after a first-instance police tribunal ruling. The appellate court reversed that judgment, emphasizing that parliamentary immunity remained in force because the Chamber of Representatives had not authorized any prosecution. Luc De Cleir, spokesperson for the Limburg court, explained that without such authorization the judge could not rule on the merits.

The prosecution’s attempt to invoke a flagrant-offence procedure failed, as the elapsed period between the alleged speeding and the court summons exceeded the allowed timeframe. Consequently, the fine, licence suspension and related obligations were cancelled, and the state was ordered to cover the court costs. The public prosecutor retains the option to challenge the decision.