Uncontrolled crossroadBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
56. Uncontrolled crossroad
An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.
The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.
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Who has priority at an uncontrolled crossroad in Belgium?
At a Belgian crossroad where no other priority rule applies, every driver must give way to a driver approaching from the right.
Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad.
Signal routier B17 • Carrefour où la priorité de droite est applicable.
Verkeersbord B17 • Kruispunt waar de voorrang van rechts geldt.
How should you approach an uncontrolled crossroad in Belgium?
You must approach the intersection with particular caution and be able to give way when required. Check carefully for traffic approaching from the right as well as for other road users who may have priority.
Does the wider road have priority in Belgium?
No. A wider, busier or apparently more important road does not automatically have priority. If no signs or special rules establish another priority arrangement, the priority-from-the-right rule applies.
Does a vehicle coming from the right still have priority if it stops?
Yes. Merely slowing down or stopping does not by itself remove the driver's priority from the right. You should not assume that the driver has surrendered priority simply because the vehicle has stopped.
Do cyclists coming from the right have priority in Belgium?
Yes, when the normal priority-from-the-right rule applies. A cyclist is a driver and can therefore have priority when approaching from the right, unless another traffic rule or sign changes the situation.
Does traffic coming from a prohibited direction have priority from the right?
No. Belgian law specifically provides that you do not have to give priority under the priority-from-the-right rule to a driver approaching from a direction in which that driver is prohibited from travelling.
Does a driver coming from an earth road or path have priority from the right?
No. A driver entering a public road with a carriageway from an earth road or path must give way to drivers travelling on the road being entered.
Does priority from the right apply on a Belgian roundabout?
No. A driver already travelling on a roundabout does not have to give way under the ordinary priority-from-the-right rule to traffic entering from the right. Drivers entering the roundabout must follow the applicable signs and priority rules.
Does a vehicle leaving a driveway have priority if it comes from the right?
No. Leaving an adjoining property or driveway is considered a manoeuvre. A driver performing a manoeuvre must give way to the other road users.
What if you cross a cycle path at an uncontrolled crossroad?
A driver crossing a cycle path or pavement must give way to the road users who are lawfully using that cycle path or pavement. This obligation applies independently of the ordinary priority-from-the-right rule.
Do trams have to follow priority from the right?
No. Belgian road users must give way to rail vehicles such as trams. This special rule takes precedence over the ordinary priority-from-the-right rule.
What does the Belgian B17 sign mean?
The B17 sign warns that you are approaching a crossroad where priority from the right applies. Drivers should therefore be particularly alert for vehicles approaching from the right.
