Traffic jamBrussels
Traffic rules
Brussels
1. Traffic jam
A traffic jam is a situation where traffic becomes heavily congested and vehicles move very slowly or stop for extended periods. Traffic jams are commonly caused by high traffic volumes, accidents, roadworks, lane closures or poor weather. Drivers should remain patient, keep a safe distance, avoid unnecessary lane changes and watch for motorcycles, emergency vehicles and sudden braking. Where lanes merge during congestion, local rules may require drivers to use a zipper-merging system.
Is there a traffic sign for traffic jams in Belgium?
Yes. Under the current Belgian rules, warning sign A50 indicates a traffic jam. Under the new Code of the Public Road, the traffic-jam warning sign becomes A32.
Do drivers have to create an emergency corridor in a traffic jam in Belgium?
Yes. When a traffic jam forms on a road with at least two lanes in the same direction, drivers must create a rescue lane. Drivers in the left lane move as far left as possible, while drivers in the other lanes move as far right as possible.
When do you have to zipper merge in Belgium?
In heavily congested traffic, when a lane ends or becomes blocked, drivers in that lane must continue until just before the narrowing and then merge into the adjacent lane. Drivers in the continuing lane must alternately allow one vehicle to merge.
Do you have to zipper merge when entering a motorway in Belgium?
No. The normal rule for entering a motorway still applies: drivers using the entrance ramp must give way to vehicles already on the motorway. Zipper merging does not replace that priority rule.
Can motorcycles filter through traffic jams in Belgium?
Yes, under specific conditions. Motorcyclists may ride between slow-moving or stationary traffic, subject to the applicable speed and safety restrictions. Under the new Code of the Public Road, motorcycles may also use the rescue lane for filtering but must clear it when authorised emergency or assistance vehicles approach.
Will the rescue-lane rule remain under Belgium’s new Road Code?
Yes. The new Code of the Public Road keeps the mandatory rescue lane on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction when a traffic jam forms.
