Head restraintsFlanders
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Flanders. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
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172. Head restraints
Head restraints, also called headrests, are vehicle safety devices designed to limit the rearward movement of an occupant's head relative to the body during a collision. They help reduce the risk of injuries to the neck and cervical spine, particularly in rear impacts.
An adjustable head restraint should be positioned so that it supports the back of the head rather than the neck and is as close to the head as practical. Drivers and passengers should adjust the restraint to their body size before travelling.
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What is the purpose of a head restraint in a Belgian vehicle?
Its purpose is to limit excessive rearward movement of the occupant's head during a collision and thereby reduce the risk of injury to the neck and cervical spine.
Can fitted head restraints simply be removed from a vehicle?
Keep head restraints fitted and correctly adjusted for occupied seats in normal use. Follow the vehicle and child-seat manufacturers’ installation instructions: some child-seat installations require the relevant head restraint to be removed temporarily. Secure any removed restraint and refit it before that seat is used normally again.

Traffic rules
Flanders