RockfallFlanders
Traffic rules
Flanders
31. Rockfall
A rockfall warning indicates a road section where rocks or stones may fall from a cliff, cutting or steep slope, or where fallen material may already be present on the road. The danger may affect the full carriageway and can appear suddenly.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan the road and slopes ahead, increase their following distance and remain prepared to stop. They should avoid unnecessary stopping in the exposed section and never attempt to move unstable rocks themselves.
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
Which Belgian sign warns of falling rocks?
Traffic sign A19 warns drivers of falling rocks.
Warning for falling rocks.
Signal routier A19 • Chutes de pierres.
Verkeersbord A19 • Vallende stenen.
How can you recognise Belgian sign A19?
A19 is a triangular warning sign showing rocks falling from a steep slope.
Does A19 mean that rocks are currently falling?
No. It warns that falling rocks are a foreseeable danger in the road section ahead.
Can stones already be present on the road?
Yes. Drivers should watch both the slope and the carriageway because material from an earlier rockfall may remain on the road.
Does A19 impose a speed limit?
No. A19 is a warning sign. The applicable regional, zonal, posted and vehicle-specific speed limits remain in force.
Must you drive below the applicable speed limit?
Yes, when necessary. Belgian drivers must adapt their speed to the road layout, visibility, weather, road condition and foreseeable obstructions.
Must you be able to stop before a fallen rock?
Yes. Drivers must always remain able to stop before an obstruction that can reasonably be foreseen.
How far before the danger is A19 placed?
In Brussels and Flanders, warning signs are normally placed approximately 150 metres before the dangerous location. A supplementary panel indicates another approximate distance where necessary.
Can a supplementary panel show the length of the danger?
Yes. A supplementary panel may indicate the length of the hazardous road section.
Does A19 determine priority?
No. Drivers must continue to obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules.
Does A19 prohibit overtaking?
No automatic overtaking prohibition is created by A19. Overtaking is permitted only when visibility, road width, markings and conditions allow it to be completed safely.
May you stop or park after A19?
A19 does not create an automatic stopping or parking prohibition. Drivers may nevertheless not stop or park where doing so creates danger or unnecessarily obstructs traffic.
Should you park beside the affected slope?
No, when this exposes the vehicle to danger. Choose a safer authorised location away from loose rocks, unstable slopes and fallen material.
How should you approach an A19 road section?
Reduce speed, increase your following distance and scan the carriageway, verge and slope. Be prepared for vehicles ahead to brake or change position suddenly.
What should you do when a small stone lies on the road?
Slow down without sudden steering. Pass only when there is sufficient clear space and no cyclist, pedestrian, approaching vehicle or other obstacle would be endangered.
What if a large rock blocks your lane?
Stop at a safe distance and do not enter the opposing lane unless the road is clearly visible and the movement can be made legally and safely. Report the obstruction when necessary.
Who must give way when the obstruction is on your side?
A driver whose passage is obstructed must slow down and, when necessary, stop to allow approaching road users to pass.
Must you use an indicator when driving around a rock?
Yes, when the movement involves a lateral displacement. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal in time and give way where required.
May cyclists leave a bike path to avoid fallen rocks?
Yes. Cyclists and permitted moped riders may leave a bike path to travel around an obstruction. They must check traffic and make the movement safely.
What should motorcyclists and cyclists do?
Reduce speed considerably and avoid sudden braking or steering. Loose or sharp stones can cause loss of balance, punctures or wheel damage.
Should you attempt to remove rocks yourself?
No, when doing so would expose you to traffic or further rockfall. Stop safely and contact the police, road authority or emergency services instead.
What should you do during an active rockfall?
Do not enter the affected section. Stop before the danger where possible, activate the hazard warning lights when appropriate and follow any temporary closure or instructions from authorised personnel.
What should you do after hitting a rock?
Keep the vehicle under control and stop at a safe location. Activate the hazard warning lights and check for damage only when you can do so without standing in traffic or beneath an unstable slope.
Should dangerous stones be reported?
Yes. Report rocks that obstruct traffic or create an immediate danger to the police, emergency services or responsible road authority.
What changes on 1 June 2027?
Belgium’s new Code of the Public Road retains traffic sign A19 but expands its official meaning to falling rocks or the presence of stones.
Why is the meaning being expanded?
The new wording makes clear that the principal danger drivers encounter may be stones already lying on the road, not only rocks falling at that moment.
