Priority over oncoming trafficFlanders

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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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Flanders

23. Priority over oncoming traffic

Priority over oncoming traffic means that drivers travelling in one direction have priority through a narrow section of road over drivers approaching from the opposite direction. The rule is normally indicated by a priority sign facing one direction and a corresponding give-way sign facing the other.

Drivers with priority must still approach cautiously and must not force their way through when the passage is blocked or already occupied. The signs regulate priority through the narrow section, not speed, parking or priority at nearby intersections.

Priority-over-oncoming-traffic sign in Angleur. (Liège, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jean Housen • CC BY-SA

Which Belgian sign gives priority over oncoming traffic?

Traffic sign B21 indicates that drivers have priority over drivers approaching from the opposite direction through a narrow passage.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

English • Traffic sign B21 • Narrow passage. Priority over drivers coming from the opposite direction.

Français • Signal routier B21 • Passage étroit. Priorité de passage par rapport aux conducteurs venant en sens opposé.

Nederlands • Verkeersbord B21 • Smalle doorgang. Voorrang ten opzichte van de bestuurders die uit de tegenovergestelde richting komen.

Sources

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

🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 67. Verkeersborden betreffende de voorrang (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 67. Signaux relatifs à la priorité (FR)

Must you stop at a Belgian sign giving you priority over oncoming traffic?

No. You may continue when the passage is clear, but you must approach cautiously and stop when necessary to avoid danger.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

May you enter when an oncoming vehicle is already inside?

You should not force your way into the passage. Slow down or stop and allow the occupied passage to clear, even though B21 normally gives your direction priority.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

Must you leave room when passing a cyclist?

Yes. A car or motorcycle driver must leave at least 1 metre beside a cyclist or two-wheeled moped rider inside a built-up area, and 1.5 metres outside it. If the necessary clearance cannot be maintained through the narrow passage, wait. Having priority over oncoming traffic does not remove this duty.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 6–7, 10, 15, 40ter and 67.3 (B21)

Road narrowing

Give way to oncoming traffic

1 Flanders 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 ...