Traffic lightsFlanders
Traffic rules
Flanders
43. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Smiley.toerist • CC BY-SA
Which Belgian sign warns that traffic lights are ahead?
Traffic sign A33 warns drivers that they are approaching traffic lights.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Article 66.4, sign A33
Warning for traffic lights ahead.
English • Traffic sign A33 • Traffic lights.
Français • Signal routier A33 • Signaux lumineux de circulation.
Nederlands • Verkeersbord A33 • Verkeerslichten.
Sources
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org
Vascer • Public domain. Original SVG unmodified.
🔗 Wegcode.be • Artikel 66. Gevaarsborden (NL)
🔗 Codedelaroute.be • Article 66. Signaux de danger (FR)
What do red, orange-yellow and green mean in Belgium?
Red means stop before the stop line or, if there is none, before the light. Steady orange-yellow also means stop unless you are too close to stop safely. Green permits proceeding, but you must still respect pedestrians and avoid blocking the junction.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Articles 61.1, 63.1-63.2, 67.3
May you enter a blocked intersection on green?
No. You may not enter when congestion is likely to force you to stop inside the intersection and obstruct or prevent crossing traffic.
Where must you stop?
Stop before the white continuous stop line. When no stop line is present, stop before the traffic light itself.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Articles 61.1, 63.1-63.2, 67.3
What does an additional green arrow displayed with red or orange-yellow mean?
You may proceed only in the direction shown, provided you give way to drivers lawfully approaching from other directions and to pedestrians.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Articles 61.1, 63.1-63.2, 67.3
Do priority signs apply while normal traffic lights are working?
No. Priority signs placed on the same road at that location do not apply while the normal traffic lights are operating.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code, Articles 61–64, 67; Articles 12–14, 19 and 67
When may cyclists pass a red light in Belgium?
B22: B22 permits cyclists and speed-pedelec riders to pass a red or orange-yellow light to turn right, provided they give way to every other road user.
B23: B23 permits cyclists and speed-pedelec riders to pass a red or orange-yellow light to continue straight ahead, provided they give way to other road users. It may be used only where they do not cross another traffic stream.
These exceptions apply only to cyclists and speed-pedelec riders; they do not allow ordinary car drivers to pass a red light.
What if a police officer gives a different instruction?
Follow the officer’s instruction immediately. Orders from authorised persons take precedence over traffic lights, signs, road markings and ordinary rules.
