Ring roadBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
58. Ring road
A ring road is a road or connected system of roads that runs around or partly around a city, town or urban area. It is designed to distribute traffic between different parts of the area and to allow through traffic to bypass congested central streets.
A ring road is not necessarily a motorway or expressway. It may consist of motorways, divided highways, ordinary roads or a combination of different road types. The applicable speed limits, access restrictions, priority rules and lane rules therefore depend on the individual section and the local traffic signs and regulations.
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What is a ring road in Belgium?
A Belgian ring road is a route that runs around or partly around a city or urban area and connects different roads and destinations. Belgian rings are commonly identified by a ring route number.
Which Belgian sign identifies the number of a ring?
The F23d sign indicates the number of a ring. Ring-route information can also appear on direction and advance-direction signs.
Ring road number.
Verkeersbord F23d • Nummer van een ring.
Signpost to ring road.
Verkeersbord F33a • Wegwijzer op afstand: luchthaven, beurs- of tentoonstellingshal, haven, car-ferry, zone met economische activiteiten, ziekenhuis.
Is every Belgian ring road a motorway?
No. Being part of a ring does not itself make a road a motorway. A ring may contain motorway sections and other types of roads, so drivers must follow the signs and rules applying to each section.
When do Belgian motorway rules apply on a ring?
The special motorway rules apply from the point where the road is indicated by the F5 motorway sign and continue until the applicable end-of-motorway indication. A ring-route number by itself does not establish motorway status.
Is there a special Belgian speed limit for ring roads?
No. There is no single speed limit that applies simply because a road is a ring. The maximum speed depends on the road type, region, vehicle category and traffic signs applying to the particular section.
Can the speed limit change while following the same Belgian ring?
Yes. Different sections of a ring may have different road characteristics and speed limits. Drivers must follow the speed-limit signs and the general limit applicable to the road they are currently using.
Can a Belgian ring have ordinary intersections?
Yes. A ring does not have to consist entirely of grade-separated roads. Depending on the route, sections may include ordinary intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts or motorway-style interchanges.
Can cyclists use a Belgian ring road?
This depends on the individual section. Cyclists may use roads where they are legally permitted, but they may not use motorway sections or other sections where their access is prohibited by traffic signs or regulations.
Can pedestrians use a Belgian ring road?
This also depends on the road type. Pedestrians may be permitted along appropriate ordinary-road sections but are prohibited on motorways and wherever signs or other rules exclude them.
How should you choose a lane on a Belgian ring?
Follow the normal Belgian keep-right rule together with lane-direction signs and road markings. When approaching a major interchange, choose the lane for your destination in good time without making sudden lane changes.
How are destinations indicated on Belgian ring roads?
Belgian advance-direction and direction signs can indicate destinations reached by following the ring. The signing rules contain specific provisions for displaying road numbers and destinations when the route concerned is a ring.
What should you do if you miss an exit on a Belgian motorway ring?
Continue to the next suitable exit or interchange and find a safe legal route back. Never reverse, make a U-turn, drive against the direction of traffic or use connections through the central reservation on a motorway.
