Mandatory signsFlanders

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.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory.

Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory.

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

End of shared pedestrian and cycle path.

Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path.

End of divided pedestrian and cycle path.

End of mandatory use of dipped headlights.

Mandatory route for explosive materials.

Mandatory route for water-polluting substances.

Which Belgian sign series imposes obligations?

The D-series includes required directions and designated compulsory routes.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

Which Belgian sign indicates a mandatory direction?

Traffic sign D1 requires drivers to follow the direction indicated by its arrow.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

Driving straight ahead mandatory.

English • Traffic sign D1 • The direction indicated by the arrow must be followed. The road layout determines the position of the arrow. If a sign with a straight arrow is placed on an obstacle, it requires passing on the side indicated by the arrow.

Français • Signal routier D1 • Obligation de suivre la direction indiquée par la flèche. La disposition des lieux détermine la position de la flèche. Si le signal présentant une flèche non coudée, est placé sur un obstacle, il signifie obligation de passer du côté indiqué par la flèche.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1 • Verplichting de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. De plaatsgesteldheid bepaalt de stand van de pijl. Wanneer het verkeersbord dat een niet-gebogen pijl voorstelt, op een hindernis geplaatst is, betekent het dat langs de door de pijl aangeduide richting moet voorbijgereden worden.

Sources

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.

🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 69. Gebodsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 69. Signaux d'obligation (FR)

Does a mandatory direction give you priority?

No. Drivers must still comply with priority signs, traffic lights and the normal rules concerning turning, crossing and manoeuvres.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 5–6, 12, 19, 69 and 77.1 (D-series)

1. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

English • Traffic sign D5 • Roundabout. Circulation in the direction indicated by the arrows is compulsory. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D5 • Rotonde. Verplicht rondgaand verkeer in de door de pijlen aangeduide richting. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

2. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

English • Traffic sign D1c • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1c • Verplichting voor de bestuurders om op het kruispunt de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

3. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

English • Traffic sign D3c • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D3c • Verplichting voor de bestuurders om op het kruispunt de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

4. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

English • Traffic sign D1b • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1b • Verplichting voor de bestuurders om op het kruispunt de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

English • Traffic sign D1e • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1e • Verplichting voor de bestuurders om op het kruispunt de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

6. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

English • Traffic sign D1d • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow at the junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1d • Verplichting voor de bestuurders om op het kruispunt de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

7. Driving straight ahead or turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn left. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning right is prohibited.

English • Traffic sign D3b • Drivers and riders must follow one of the directions indicated by the arrows. The road layout determines the position of the arrows. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D3b • Verplichting voor de bestuurders één van de door de pijlen aangeduide richtingen te volgen. De plaatsgesteldheid bepaalt de stand van de pijlen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

8. Driving straight ahead or turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must continue straight ahead or turn right. One of the indicated directions must be followed; turning left is prohibited.

English • Traffic sign D3a • Drivers and riders must follow one of the directions indicated by the arrows. The road layout determines the position of the arrows. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D3a • Verplichting voor de bestuurders één van de door de pijlen aangeduide richtingen te volgen. De plaatsgesteldheid bepaalt de stand van de pijlen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

9. Mandatory left

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the left. Traffic must proceed to the left at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the right.

English • Traffic sign D1g • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1g • Verplichting voor de bestuurders de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

10. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

English • Traffic sign D1f • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1f • Verplichting voor de bestuurders de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

11. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

English • Traffic sign D1a • Drivers and riders must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D1a • Verplichting voor de bestuurders de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

12. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • Traffic sign D13 • Part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians. The sign applies up to and including the next junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D13 • Deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers. Het verkeersbord geldt tot en met het volgend kruispunt. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

13. End of mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for pedestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Pedestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D14 • End of the part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D14 • Einde van het deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

14. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • Traffic sign D7 • Cycle track. The sign applies up to and including the next junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D7 • Fietspad. Het verkeersbord geldt tot en met het volgend kruispunt. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

15. End of mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for cyclists. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Cyclists must continue according to the road layout, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D8 • End of cycle track. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D8 • Einde fietspad. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

16. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • Traffic sign D15 • Part of the public road compulsory for horse riders. The sign applies up to and including the next junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D15 • Deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor ruiters. Het verkeersbord geldt tot en met het volgend kruispunt. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

17. End of mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for equestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Equestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D16 • End of the part of the public road compulsory for horse riders. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D16 • Einde van het deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor ruiters. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

18. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D11 • Part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians and cyclists. The sign applies up to and including the next junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D11 • Deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers en fietsers. Het verkeersbord geldt tot en met het volgend kruispunt. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

19. End of shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. The shared-path requirement ends at this point. Pedestrians and cyclists must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D12 • End of the part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians and cyclists. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D12 • Einde van het deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers en fietsers. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

20. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • Traffic sign D9 • Part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians, cyclists and class A moped riders. The sign applies up to and including the next junction. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D9 • Deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers, fietsers en bestuurders van tweewielige bromfietsen klasse A. Het verkeersbord geldt tot en met het volgend kruispunt. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

21. End of divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. The requirement to use the separately designated sections ends at this point. Continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

English • Traffic sign D10 • End of the part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians, cyclists and class A moped riders. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D10 • Einde van het deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers, fietsers en bestuurders van tweewielige bromfietsen klasse A. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

22. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

23. End of divided pedestrian and cycle path

English • Traffic sign D10 • End of the part of the public road compulsory for pedestrians, cyclists and class A moped riders. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D10 • Einde van het deel van de openbare weg verplicht voor voetgangers, fietsers en bestuurders van tweewielige bromfietsen klasse A. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

24. Dipped headlights mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that the use of dipped headlights is mandatory. Drivers must use dipped headlights from this point until the requirement ends or is replaced, while continuing to follow the general lighting rules.

English • Traffic sign D17 • Dipped headlights compulsory. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D17 • Verplicht gebruik van de dimlichten. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

25. End of mandatory use of dipped headlights

This traffic sign indicates the end of the requirement to use dipped headlights. Dipped headlights are no longer mandatory because of this sign, but they must still be used whenever required by the general traffic rules or driving conditions.

English • Traffic sign D18 • End of compulsory use of dipped headlights, without prejudice to article 44. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D18 • Einde van het verplicht gebruik van de dimlichten, onverminderd artikel 44. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

SVG source: Wegcode.be
Sign overview • Original files. Original SVG unmodified.

26. Mandatory route for dangerous goods

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory route for vehicles carrying dangerous goods. Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must use the route indicated by the sign.

English • Traffic sign D4 • Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D4 • Verplichting voor voertuigen die gevaarlijke goederen vervoeren om de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

Image source: Wegcode.be
🔗 Wegcode.be • Sign overview
🔗 Wegcode.be • Original files. Original PNG unmodified.

27. Mandatory route for explosive materials

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory route for vehicles carrying explosive materials. Vehicles carrying explosive materials must use the route indicated by the sign.

English • Traffic sign D4 • Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D4 • Verplichting voor voertuigen die gevaarlijke goederen vervoeren om de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

Image source: Wegcode.be
🔗 Wegcode.be • Sign overview
🔗 Wegcode.be • Original files. Original PNG unmodified.

28. Mandatory route for water-polluting substances

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory route for vehicles carrying water-polluting substances. Vehicles carrying water-polluting substances must use the route indicated by the sign.

English • Traffic sign D4 • Vehicles carrying dangerous goods must follow the direction indicated by the arrow. • From 1 June 2027.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord D4 • Verplichting voor voertuigen die gevaarlijke goederen vervoeren om de door de pijl aangeduide richting te volgen. • Vanaf 1 juni 2027.

Sources

Image source: Wegcode.be
🔗 Wegcode.be • Sign overview
🔗 Wegcode.be • Original files. Original PNG unmodified.