International borderBrussels

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.


48. International border

An international border is the legal boundary between two countries. A border sign may identify the country being entered and remind drivers that different traffic laws, speed limits, road signs, vehicle requirements and document rules may apply.

The border sign itself does not normally require drivers to stop. Passport, immigration or customs controls may take place at a checkpoint, but some international borders can be crossed without routine controls under regional agreements.

International border
An international border sign when entering Belgium and a sign with the general speed limits of Flanders.
Wikimedia.org • Spotter2 • CC BY-SA
Are there normally passport checkpoints at Belgium’s land borders?

No. Routine checks on people are normally absent at internal Schengen borders.

🔗 europa.eu • European Union — travel documents and checks at internal Schengen borders

Can Belgian customs still conduct checks near an internal border?

Yes. Customs and police may still check excise goods, commercial transport, restricted products, fraud and other legal requirements.

🔗 europa.eu • European Union — travel documents and checks at internal Schengen borders

When do Belgian traffic rules begin to apply?

Belgian traffic law applies from the moment a road user crosses into Belgian territory, whether or not F100 or a control point is present.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — relevant current provisions and sign catalogue

Which vehicle documents should a driver carry in Belgium?

A driver should carry the required driving licence, vehicle-registration documents and legally required insurance evidence, together with the travel documents required for the journey.

🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government, documents to carry when driving

🔗 wegcode.be • Vias/Wegcode, Vehicle Registration Decree, Articles 1–3, 16–17

🔗 economie.fgov.be • FPS Economy, electronic motor-insurance certificates

🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe, travel documents for EU citizens, EU travel documents

What should you do if a border crossing is closed?

Do not pass the closure. Follow the signed diversion or instructions from the authorities and use another authorised crossing.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — relevant current provisions and sign catalogue

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 ...