Height limitBrussels

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Brussels. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


36. Height limit

A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.

Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.

Height limit
Height limit of 1.90 metres in a parking garage. (Liège, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
Which Belgian sign indicates a height limit?

Traffic sign C29 prohibits access for vehicles whose height, including their load, exceeds the height displayed on the sign.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

English • Traffic sign C29 • No drivers of vehicles whose height, including the load, exceeds the indicated height.

Français • Signal routier C29 • Accès interdit aux conducteurs de véhicules ayant, chargement compris, une hauteur supérieure à celle indiquée.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord C29 • Verboden toegang voor bestuurders van voertuigen waarvan de hoogte, lading inbegrepen, groter is dan de aangeduide.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.

🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 68. Verbodsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 68. Signaux d'interdiction (FR)

Does a Belgian height-limit sign apply only to trucks?

No. It applies to every vehicle that exceeds the displayed height, including buses, motorhomes, vans, cars with high roof loads and other vehicles.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

What is the normal maximum vehicle height in Belgium?

The general maximum height of a loaded vehicle is 4 metres. Cycles without a motor have a lower 2.50-metre loaded-height limit. Flanders and Wallonia provide a specific 4.30-metre exception for loads of compressed flax bales. These general provisions do not override a lower C29 height restriction, the actual clearance or other vehicle-specific conditions.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

Does a Belgian height-limit sign change priority?

No. Drivers must continue to obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

What should you do at a Belgian height-limit sign if your vehicle is too tall?

Do not pass the sign. Stop where safe and follow the indicated diversion. Contact the police or road authority when turning or reversing cannot be done safely.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6, 12, 45, 46.3 and 68.3 (C29)

1 Brussels 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...