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RainFlanders

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Flanders

229. Rain

Rain can reduce visibility, tyre grip and vehicle control while increasing stopping distances. Water on the road can also cause aquaplaning, where the tyres lose contact with the road surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance, avoid sudden steering or braking and use the appropriate lights when visibility is reduced. Extra care is needed during heavy rain and when water collects in wheel tracks or on poorly drained roads.

Do you have to reduce your speed in rain in Belgium?

Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their speed to the weather conditions, visibility, road condition and traffic situation. Drivers must also maintain a sufficient safety distance and be able to stop before a foreseeable obstacle.

When must rear fog lights be used in heavy rain in Belgium?

Under the current Belgian traffic rules, rear fog lights must be used in heavy rain when the vehicle is equipped with them. They may not be used in other circumstances unless another permitted condition, such as sufficiently dense fog or snowfall, applies.

May front fog lights be used in heavy rain in Belgium?

Yes. Under the current rules, front fog lights may be used during heavy rain. They may replace the dipped or main-beam headlights or be used together with them.

Do you have to use normal vehicle lights when rain reduces visibility in Belgium?

Yes. The prescribed vehicle lights must be used whenever it is no longer possible to see clearly for approximately 200 metres, including when heavy rain reduces visibility.

What should you do if there is standing water on the road in Belgium?

Reduce your speed and avoid sudden steering or braking. Belgian rules require drivers to adapt their driving to the weather and road conditions, which includes water on the road and an increased risk of aquaplaning.

Will the fog-light rules for heavy rain change under Belgium’s new Road Code?

Yes. Under the new Code of the Public Road, rear and front fog lights are linked to heavy precipitation that reduces visibility to less than approximately 100 metres. This differs from the current rule, which specifically permits or requires fog-light use in heavy rain without that same visibility threshold.

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