Stop signBrussels

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.


18. Stop sign

A stop sign requires drivers to bring their vehicle to a complete stop and give way before entering or crossing the road ahead. The stop must be made at the stop line or another legally prescribed position.

After stopping, the driver may continue only when this can be done safely and without interfering with traffic that has priority. The sign does not create priority for the driver who has stopped.

Stop sign
Stop sign beside road N633 between Esneux and Hony. (Liège, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
Which Belgian traffic signs indicate a stop?

Traffic sign B5 is the Belgian stop sign and means stop and give way. Traffic sign B7 announces an upcoming B5 stop sign and indicates approximately how far away it is.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

Stop and give way. Stop and give way.

English • Traffic sign B5 • Stop and give way.

Français • Signal routier B5 • Marquer l’arrêt et céder la priorité.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord B5 • Stoppen en voorrang verlenen.

Must you always stop at a Belgian stop sign?

Yes. You must come to a complete stop even when no other road user is visible.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

Is slowing down enough at a Belgian stop sign?

No. The vehicle must stop completely. A rolling or very slow passage does not comply with the sign.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

Where must you stop when there is a stop line?

You must stop before the white continuous stop line. The line indicates the precise place where drivers must stop because of B5 or a traffic light.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

Where must you stop when there is no stop line?

Stop before entering the intersection or priority road, in the immediate vicinity of the B5 sign and at a position from which you can give way safely.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

Stop and give way. Stop and give way.

English • Traffic sign B5 • Stop and give way.

Français • Signal routier B5 • Marquer l’arrêt et céder la priorité.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord B5 • Stoppen en voorrang verlenen.

What is the difference between a stop sign and a give-way sign in Belgium?

A stop sign requires you to stop completely and give way. A give-way sign requires you to give way but does not require a complete stop when you can proceed safely without stopping.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 12, 67.3 (B5/B7) and 76.1

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 ...