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Forestry vehicleBelgium

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Belgium

84. Forestry vehicle

A forestry vehicle is a vehicle designed, equipped or adapted for work connected with forestry and woodland management. It may be used to pull machinery, transport timber, carry equipment or perform operations such as harvesting, forwarding or maintaining forest land.

Forestry vehicles can include tractors, specialised self-propelled machines, trailers and interchangeable equipment. Their registration, driving-licence requirements, maximum speed, road access and technical requirements depend on the vehicle's legal classification and the local traffic regulations.

Tractor with lumber trailer. (Jyväskylä, Finland)
Wikimedia.org • Antti Leppänen • CC BY-SA
What is a forestry vehicle in Belgium?

A Belgian forestry vehicle can include a land- or forestry tractor, its trailer or other machinery used for forestry operations. The exact legal classification depends on the design and use of the vehicle.

What is legally considered a land- or forestry tractor in Belgium?

A land- or forestry tractor is a powered wheeled or tracked vehicle with at least two axles and a design speed of at least 6 km/h, primarily designed for traction and for pulling, pushing, carrying or operating equipment or trailers used in agriculture or forestry.

Which Belgian driving-licence category applies to forestry tractors?

Category G covers land- and forestry tractors and their trailers, as well as certain vehicles registered as agricultural equipment, agricultural motors or mowing machines.

Does category G apply to every vehicle used in forestry?

No. Category G applies specifically to tractor-type vehicles when they are used for agricultural or forestry operations. Other self-propelled forestry machinery can fall under category B, C1 or C according to its maximum authorised mass.

What if a forestry tractor is used for work unrelated to forestry?

If the same tractor is used for an activity that is not connected with agricultural or forestry operations, category G no longer applies merely because the vehicle is technically a forestry tractor. The driving-licence category appropriate to the vehicle's maximum authorised mass must then be considered.

How old must you be to obtain a Belgian category G licence?

The theory examination may be taken from 15 years and 9 months and the practical examination from 16 years. Until the age of 18, code 205 limits the holder to a vehicle combination with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 20 tonnes.

Can another Belgian driving licence allow you to drive a category G vehicle?

Yes, within specified mass limits. Holders of licences such as B, BE, C1, C1E, C or CE may drive certain category G vehicles corresponding to the masses their licence permits. A valid CE licence also gives entitlement to category G.

Must a Belgian forestry vehicle be registered?

Yes, when it belongs to a category requiring registration for use on public roads. The DIV has a specific registration procedure for tractors and agricultural or forestry vehicles.

Does every Belgian forestry vehicle have a G registration plate?

No. The registration plate beginning with G is a special fiscal plate for qualifying agricultural and forestry vehicles authorised to use fully tax-exempt red diesel. It is not automatically issued to every forestry vehicle.

Can a Belgian forestry vehicle use a motorway?

No. Vehicles legally classified as agricultural vehicles are prohibited from Belgian motorways.

Can a Belgian forestry vehicle use an autoweg?

No. Agricultural vehicles are also specifically excluded from roads designated as autowegen.

Can forestry vehicles use roads reserved for agricultural vehicles in Belgium?

Yes, when they fall within the agricultural-vehicle category indicated by the signs. On roads marked F99c as reserved for the indicated agricultural vehicles and other permitted users, the maximum speed is 30 km/h and motorised traffic must take particular care around pedestrians, cyclists and riders.

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