Crossing animalsFlanders
30. Crossing animals
An animals-crossing warning indicates a place or road section where wild animals, livestock or ridden animals may enter or cross the road. Animals may appear suddenly, move unpredictably or be difficult to see in darkness, vegetation or poor weather.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan both sides of the road and remain prepared to stop. The warning sign does not itself give animals priority or impose a numerical speed limit, but drivers must avoid frightening, endangering or colliding with them.
Wikimedia.org • Aktron • CC BY
Which Belgian signs warn of animals crossing?
Under the current Belgian Highway Code, traffic sign A27 warns of large wild animals and traffic sign A29 warns of livestock crossing.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
Warning for crossing deer.
English • Traffic sign A27 • Large wild animals crossing.
Français • Signal routier A27 • Traversée de gros gibier.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord A27 • Doortocht van groot wild.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 66. Gevaarsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 66. Signaux de danger (FR)
Warning for cattle on the road.
English • Traffic sign A29 • Cattle crossing.
Français • Signal routier A29 • Traversée de bétail.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord A29 • Doortocht van vee.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 66. Gevaarsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 66. Signaux de danger (FR)
Does a Belgian animal-crossing warning sign impose a speed limit?
No. They are warning signs. The applicable regional, zonal, posted and vehicle-specific speed limits remain in force.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
Must you drive below the speed limit?
Yes, when necessary. Belgian drivers must adapt their speed to visibility, traffic, road conditions and foreseeable hazards and remain able to stop before an obstruction.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
When must you stop near controlled animals?
You must stop when the animals show signs of fear.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
Does the same specific stopping rule apply to wild animals?
The express rule concerning frightened animals applies to draft, load and riding animals and livestock. A driver encountering wild animals must still reduce speed or stop whenever necessary to avoid danger.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 7–8, 10.1–10.3, 33 and 66.4 (A27/A29)

Traffic rules
Flanders