Tram lightsBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
73. Tram lights
Tram lights are special traffic signals used to control the movement of trams and, in some countries, other public-transport vehicles. They are often designed differently from ordinary red, amber and green traffic lights so that public-transport drivers can clearly distinguish the signals intended for them.
The signals may indicate stop, prepare to stop, proceed or proceed only in a specified direction. Their shapes, colours and meanings vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic-signal system and regulations.
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What are tram lights in Belgium?
Belgian tram lights are special traffic signals for vehicles used in regular public passenger transport. They use white bars, circles and triangles on a black background instead of ordinary red, amber and green lenses.
What does a horizontal white bar mean?
A horizontal white bar means stop. It has the same meaning for the vehicles concerned as an ordinary red traffic light.
What does a white circle mean?
A steady white circle has the same meaning as a steady orange-yellow traffic light: the vehicle must stop unless it is already so close to the signal that it cannot stop safely.
What does an inverted white triangle mean?
An inverted white triangle has the same meaning as a green traffic light and permits the vehicle concerned to pass the signal.
What does a vertical white bar mean?
A vertical white bar permits the vehicle to proceed straight ahead only.
What does a diagonal white bar mean?
A white bar inclined approximately 45 degrees to the left or right permits the vehicle to proceed only in the direction indicated by the bar.
What does a flashing white circle mean?
A flashing white circle has the same meaning as a flashing orange-yellow traffic light. The signal may be passed with increased caution and it does not by itself change the applicable priority rules.
Do ordinary car drivers follow Belgian tram lights?
No. These special signals are intended for vehicles used in regular public passenger transport. Ordinary drivers must follow the traffic lights, signs and markings that apply to their own traffic stream.
Are Belgian tram lights used only for trams?
No. Although commonly associated with trams, Belgian law defines them more broadly as special signals for vehicles of regular public passenger transport services.
Can cyclists have to follow these special public-transport lights?
Yes, in certain situations. Cyclists using a special traversable reserved lane controlled by these public-transport signals must follow the special signals applying there.
Can a tram receive permission to move while cars remain stopped?
Yes. The special public-transport signals can separately control tram or public-transport movements, so a tram may be permitted to proceed while ordinary road traffic remains stopped by its own signal.
Should motorists enter an intersection simply because a tram receives a proceed signal?
No. Motorists must obey the traffic signals applying to them. A white public-transport signal giving permission to a tram does not authorise ordinary traffic to proceed.
