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Road rageBelgium

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Belgium

239. Road rage

Road rage is aggressive, hostile or intimidating behaviour by a road user toward others in traffic. It can include excessive honking, tailgating, shouting, threatening gestures, blocking another vehicle or making deliberately aggressive manoeuvres. Anger can reduce judgement and increase risk-taking, turning a minor traffic conflict into a dangerous situation. Drivers should avoid confrontation, remain calm, keep a safe distance and never retaliate against aggressive behaviour.

Road rage
Photo illustration of a driver demonstrating road rage. (Camp Pendleton, California, United States)
Wikimedia.org • DaleHulm • CC BY-SA
Is road rage a separate traffic offence in Belgium?

Road rage is not a separate named traffic offence under the Belgian Road Code. However, specific behaviour caused by road rage can violate traffic rules or other laws.

Can aggressive driving violate Belgian traffic rules?

Yes. Belgian road users must behave so that they do not cause danger or obstruction to other road users. Aggressive manoeuvres that create danger can therefore breach the traffic rules.

Does a driver have to remain in control of the vehicle in Belgium?

Yes. Every driver must be capable of performing the necessary driving manoeuvres and remain in control of the vehicle at all times.

Can you use the horn to express anger in Belgium?

No. Sound signals must be as short as possible and may only be used when necessary to prevent an accident or, outside built-up areas, when appropriate to warn a driver you intend to overtake.

Can tailgating or deliberately blocking another driver be a problem in Belgium?

Yes. Behaviour such as following another vehicle dangerously closely or deliberately obstructing another road user can create danger or hinder traffic and may violate applicable traffic rules.

Will Belgium’s new Road Code change the general rule on aggressive behaviour?

The same basic principle remains. Under the new Code of the Public Road, every road user must avoid causing danger or obstruction and adapt their behaviour to the traffic situation, visibility, road and weather conditions and other road users.

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