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Public squareBrussels

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.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Brussels

76. Public square

A public square is an open public space where one or more roads, streets or pedestrian routes meet. Squares are commonly found in towns and cities and may provide space for traffic, pedestrians, parking, public transport, markets or other public activities.

The traffic arrangement within a square can vary considerably. It may contain roadways, pedestrian areas, cycle facilities, parking spaces or restricted-access areas, so road users must follow the traffic signs, road markings, priority rules and local regulations applying within the square.

Public square
The Meir in central Antwerp. (Antwerp, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
What is legally considered a square in Belgium?

A Belgian square, or plein, is an open space where one public road enters or several public roads meet and where the layout allows traffic and other activities to be organised together.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

Does being on a square give any road user automatic priority?

No. The fact that a road user is travelling across a square does not itself create priority. Traffic lights, signs, markings and the applicable Belgian priority rules determine who must give way.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

Is there a special Belgian speed limit for every square?

No. The applicable speed depends on the traffic signs and the zone in which the square is located, such as a Zone 30, pedestrian zone, residential area or other regulated area.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.10, 6, 9.3, 11–12 and special-area rules

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 ...