Belgian actor Matthias Schoenaerts has been sentenced to six months in prison, a €4,000 fine, and a one-year driving ban following convictions for driving a motorbike without a valid license . The police court in Beringen issued the ruling in absentia after Schoenaerts was caught riding without proper documentation on two occasions in April 2024 .
Background of the Offense
Schoenaerts had been banned from driving since September 2021 and was required to pass remedial exams to recover his license, but failed to complete this requirement . The court found three offenses proven: driving twice without a valid license and failing to present a certificate of insurance on April 5, 2024 . Before being allowed to drive again, Schoenaerts must pass theoretical and practical driving tests, as well as medical and psychological assessments .
Legal Implications and Prior Convictions
This marks Schoenaerts' 12th conviction in the police court, which the court considered an aggravating circumstance . According to court spokesperson Luc De Cleir, the chances of Schoenaerts actually serving jail time are minimal under current legislation, though he could receive an ankle tag instead . Schoenaerts has the option to file an opposition and appeal the ruling .
Recent Developments
The situation has escalated further, as Schoenaerts was stopped by police again on November 21, 2025, without a valid license, refused a breath test, and behaved aggressively when his vehicle was towed . He was administratively detained for several hours, and these new facts remain under investigation .
Career Context
Despite his legal troubles, Schoenaerts remains one of Belgium's most internationally recognized actors . Since his breakthrough in the 2011 Oscar-nominated film "Bullhead," he has appeared in major international productions alongside stars such as Kate Winslet, Charlize Theron, and Tom Hardy . He is set to play the main villain in DC's upcoming "Supergirl" film next year .
Sources
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