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Traffic managementFlanders

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
Flanders

54. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

Traffic management
Variable-message road sign used for traffic management. (Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Thomas Vlerick • CC BY
How is traffic managed in Belgium?

Belgian traffic can be managed using traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane-control signals, temporary traffic arrangements and instructions from authorised persons. Different measures may be used depending on traffic conditions, roadworks or incidents.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

Which instruction has priority in Belgian traffic?

The orders of an authorised person take precedence over traffic signs and over the ordinary traffic rules. Traffic signs in turn take precedence over the general traffic rules.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

What should you do if a police officer gives an instruction that conflicts with a traffic light?

You must follow the police officer's instruction. Orders given by an authorised person have a higher legal priority than traffic lights, road signs, road markings and the normal traffic rules.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

Can hazards legalise an obstructive stop in Belgium?

No. Hazard lights do not excuse illegal stopping or double parking.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

What if you accidentally drive the wrong way on a motorway in Belgium?

Slow down, use dipped headlights and hazards, stop safely out of traffic and call police. Never reverse or U-turn.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

What if warned about motorway wrong-way traffic in Belgium?

Slow down gradually, keep right and stop overtaking. If necessary to warn following traffic of an imminent collision risk, use the hazard warning lights. Report the danger to the police as soon as you can do so safely. Continue to a safe stopping place; do not stop in a live lane simply to make the report.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — articles 4–6, 9, 10, 21.4, 22.2, 24–25, 32bis, 61–64, 72–73 and 78

🔗 belgium.be • Belgium.be — avoiding and responding to motorway wrong-way driving

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 ...