DetourBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
1. Detour
A detour, also called a diversion, is a temporary alternative route used when the normal road is closed, blocked or unavailable. Detours are commonly introduced during roadworks, accidents, public events, flooding or other disruptions. Drivers should follow the temporary direction signs carefully, reduce speed where necessary and expect unfamiliar roads, changed priorities or additional traffic along the alternative route.
Which signs are used for a detour in Belgium?
Under the current Belgian traffic rules, sign F39 announces an upcoming detour, while sign F41 indicates the direction of the detour route.
Do you have to follow detour signs in Belgium?
Yes. Drivers must obey the applicable traffic signs and authorised directions. When a road is closed and a detour is indicated, drivers should follow the signed alternative route.
How is a detour marked through several intersections in Belgium?
Temporary detour signs can be repeated along the route, especially at direction changes and important or unclear intersections, so drivers can continue following the correct route.
Can a detour be created because of roadworks in Belgium?
Yes. Roadworks are a common reason for temporary detours. Temporary signs can redirect traffic around the work zone until the normal route becomes available again.
Can an authorised person redirect traffic in Belgium?
Yes. In situations covered by the traffic rules, authorised persons or signallers can stop or redirect traffic to maintain safety and traffic flow.
Will Belgium’s new Road Code change the detour signs?
The new Code of the Public Road keeps F39 as the advance warning for a detour and F41 as the detour direction sign. It also introduces F42 to indicate the end of a detour.
