Driver’s license
The prices of driving license exams will be higher in Wallonia from 1 March. This increase concerns permits A (motorcycle), B (car) and G (agricultural vehicle). Type C (truck) and D (bus) permits are not affected, as their prices are already automatically indexed each year.
For license B, the price of the theoretical exam goes from 15 to 16 euros while that of the practical test goes from 36 to 40 euros. The risk perception test also goes from 15 to 16 euros. In the office of the minister in charge Valérie De Bue (MR), it is specified that the increase “responds to the request of the sector to be able to cope with the numerous indexations of salaries and the increase in energy costs”. These prices had not been indexed since 1998. Even if the price increase for theoretical and practical exams alone is less high in Wallonia than in Brussels and Flanders, the total amount to be paid to obtain your precious sesame is always more higher in Wallonia than in the other Regions.
The total cost of practical and theoretical exams is 56 euros in Wallonia compared to 60 in Brussels and 65 in Flanders. But the candidate for a driving license in the south of the country will also have to pay 16 euros for the risk perception test, which is free or included in the practical test elsewhere. This brings the total to 72 euros in Wallonia. In Wallonia, there is also a test of technical ability to drive allowing you to train alone after a 20-hour training course in a driving school or three months in the independent sector with a guide. This device does not exist elsewhere. Its price will rise on Wednesday from 60 to 67 euros.
Handcuffing of minors
From March 1, the police will only be able to handcuff minors under specific conditions. The handcuffing of a minor will now be prohibited except in two circumstances, namely during the transfer, extraction and supervision of a detainee or during the supervision of a person arrested administratively or judicially. In these two cases, the minor can only be handcuffed in exceptional circumstances: in the event of resistance or violence shown during the arrest; in the event of an imminent risk of escape; in the event of danger that the person concerned would represent for himself, for the person making the arrest or for third parties, or even when there is a risk that the person concerned will destroy evidence. Belgian legislation is thus more in line with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, which stipulates that the best interests of the child must always be the first consideration in all measures applicable to them.
Until now, Belgian law did not differentiate between minors and adults regarding the use of handcuffs during an arrest. However, such a practice can have serious consequences for children, both physically and psychologically. This is why Ecolo and its sister party in the north of the country, Groen, have tabled a proposal amending the law of 5 August 1992 on the police function with a view to attaching clear guarantees to the use of handcuffs in the event of minor children. The House passed the proposal last October. Published on December 21, 2022 in the Belgian Official Gazette, the amendment comes into force on March 1, 2023.
Televisions banned from sale
As of March 1, a new energy scale established by the European Commission will come into force. Called “EEI” (Energy Efficiency Index, editor’s note), this new “label” imposes on electronic devices a maximum consumption not to be exceeded. Due to their excessive energy consumption, 8K televisions will be de facto banned from sale on the Old Continent. Unless manufacturers find solutions to reduce the energy needs of their devices.
The new regulations will impose a maximum power consumption of 84W on 55-inch 8K televisions. This limit will be set at 112W for 65-inch models, while 75-inch TVs can consume up to 141W. For 8K TV makers, current models consume far more than the new limits allow. Indeed, Samsung’s 65-inch models, for example, consume nearly 300W, double what the new metric predicts. However, software updates could bring televisions below the authorized consumption limit by offering other display modes on their products.
The introduction of this energy scale has aroused contrasting reactions among the giants of the sector. Although Samsung admitted that this was a “complicated challenge to overcome”, the Korean giant wished to reassure its customers, indicating that it was “doing its best to find a solution”. Its Chinese competitor TCL, on the other hand, looks gray in view of this change, which already promises to be difficult. “If it passes, 8K for us will be over” declared in September 2022 Marek Maciejewski, director of product development for TCL Europe. LG, for its part, says it is ready to take the bull by the horns. The electronic group has announced, for March 2023, new 8K models that will comply with the new European standards.
Using your eco vouchers
The use of eco vouchers will once again be extended from 1 March. From now on, these vouchers can also be used to purchase second-hand large household appliances regardless of their energy performance, or any product displaying the FSC or PEFC labels, synonymous with sustainable forest management.
It will also be possible to pay for a parking space or a subscription to a bicycle park with eco-cheques. The extension was approved by the National Labor Council (CNT) which includes the social partners.
The updated list of products and services is contained in a new collective agreement, which will take effect on March 1, 2023. not a washing machine or a lawnmower, for example. From next month, this will be possible for all second-hand appliances excluding hybrid appliances (those that can run on both electricity and fossil fuels). Likewise, all products bearing an FSC or PEFC label can also be purchased with eco-vouchers, including those made of bamboo or natural rubber, which will be added to wooden and paper objects.
Conditions for approval of establishments for dogs and cats in Wallonia
On March 1, a reform of the conditions for the approval of establishments for animals in Wallonia comes into effect partially. This is an in-depth modification of the legislative framework in this area. This concerns shops, shelters, dog and cat farms, as well as boarding houses. Its aim is to guarantee a more respectful treatment of animals while supporting the Walloon actors who work in a dignified way.
Among the new measures, the minimum accommodation standards have been revised upwards. Unless there is a veterinary contraindication, animals cannot be kept alone at all times, and must be able to benefit from the presence of another animal. The information available to the prospective acquirer is reinforced. The establishments will have to give a series of information to the buyers, concerning in particular the needs of the animal and its specificities, and go through a list of questions to ask themselves before acquiring an animal. With regard to the management of dog or cat breeding, the decree reduces the number of litters per female, and sets a minimum and maximum age for gestation. The time devoted to the care and socialization of dogs and cats is increased. In addition, dog or cat breeders will be able to breed a maximum of two different breeds. Several support systems have been put in place to assist the structures concerned in implementing these new standards, promises the office of Céline Tellier, Walloon Minister in charge of Animal Welfare. A transitional period of five years will allow establishments approved on the date of entry into force of the decree to adapt their infrastructures. For shelters, this period will be 10 years, due to their non-profit activity.