Traffic signsFlanders

Yes. Drivers must be especially cautious around people with disabilities and must slow down and, if necessary, stop.

Yes, when they meet the applicable eligibility conditions. The official parking card allows its holder to use parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities and provides additional parking benefits under the applicable rules.

The card is personal to its holder. It may be used when the holder is travelling in the vehicle, either as the driver or as a passenger, but it may not be used when the holder is not present.

No current vehicle-transport service is offered from Belgium by Nightjet. Passengers travelling from Belgium can use international rail services, but their car or motorcycle cannot currently be loaded onto those Belgian Nightjet connections.

No. SNCB's current train-and-car services are designed to combine rail travel with facilities such as station car parking or car rental, rather than transporting the passenger's own vehicle on the train.

Yes, where an operator still offers vehicle transport. Travellers can first reach a suitable Motorail departure point by another route and then use a connection on which vehicle transport is available, subject to the operator's vehicle and booking requirements.

Belgium uses kilometres per hour (km/h) for road speeds and speed limits.

The number on a C43 speed-limit sign indicates the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour. For example, a C43 sign displaying 50 means that drivers may not exceed 50 km/h.

No. The number on a C43 sign is understood as a speed in kilometres per hour. Under the current Belgian Road Code, displaying the abbreviation 'km' on the sign is optional.

No. Belgian road speeds and speed limits are expressed in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour.

No. The number displayed on a Belgian C43 speed-limit sign represents the maximum permitted speed in kilometres per hour.

When driving in Belgium, you must compare your speed with the applicable limit in km/h. If your speedometer displays both units, use the km/h scale when interpreting Belgian speed limits.

Yes. Vehicles subject to the applicable technical approval requirements must be equipped with a functioning speedometer.

The speedometer must provide a speed indication in kilometres per hour (km/h). A vehicle may also display mph in addition to km/h.

No. Under the applicable vehicle-approval requirements, the indicated speed must not be lower than the vehicle's actual speed. A permitted positive tolerance means the speedometer may indicate somewhat more than the true speed.

No. Belgium has different general speed limits according to the road type, vehicle and region. Drivers must therefore know whether they are in Brussels, Flanders or Wallonia and follow any posted speed limits.

The general built-up-area limit is currently 30 km/h in the Brussels-Capital Region and 50 km/h in Flanders and Wallonia, unless signs impose or permit another speed.

No dedicated sign simply meaning 'national speed limit applies' is used in the current Belgian system. When a local C43 speed restriction ends, an applicable end-of-restriction sign or the general rules for the road and region determine the speed that applies next.

Yes, under specific conditions. A category M1 passenger car may be lowered when the modification complies with the applicable Belgian technical requirements.

Yes. After the suspension has been lowered, the vehicle must undergo a specific technical inspection before it is used on the road again.

The inspection includes checks of the modification and the vehicle's wheel geometry to verify that the wheel positions remain within the applicable technical requirements.

The Belgian Road Code defines an aardeweg as a public road that is wider than a path and is not laid out for vehicle traffic in general.

A driver coming from an earth road or path onto a public road with a carriageway must give way to every driver travelling on the road or carriageway being entered.

No. An earth road does not lose its legal status merely because the section where it connects with another public road has the appearance of a normal carriageway.

Every driver must be capable of driving and possess the necessary physical fitness, knowledge and driving skill. The driver must remain able to perform all necessary manoeuvres and keep the vehicle under control.

Yes. Every moving vehicle or vehicle combination must have a driver. Similar rules also apply to people controlling certain animals and livestock.

No. Unless the vehicle is stationary or parked, a driver may not use, hold or manipulate a mobile electronic device with a screen unless it is secured in a holder intended for that purpose.

No general requirement in the Belgian Road Code requires every vehicle to have a start-stop system. Whether a particular vehicle is equipped with one depends on its design and technical specifications.

No. The Belgian Road Code states that drivers may not leave the engine running at idle except when this is necessary.

No. A start-stop system can automatically switch off the engine while the vehicle is stationary, but the driver remains responsible for complying with the rules concerning unnecessary engine idling.

No. If category B on the driving licence carries code 78, the licence is restricted to vehicles with an automatic transmission.

To remove the automatic-transmission restriction, the driver must pass a new practical driving examination with a manual-transmission vehicle.

Yes. If the relevant driving-licence category is not restricted by code 78, the driver may operate both manual and automatic vehicles within that licence category.

For driving-licence purposes, an automatic vehicle is one that does not have a clutch pedal, or the applicable manually operated clutch, that the driver must use when starting, stopping and changing gears.

Code 78 means that the relevant driving-licence category is restricted to vehicles with an automatic transmission.

To remove the restriction, the driver must pass a new practical driving examination with a manual-transmission vehicle.

No separate traffic rule specifically defines the throttle. Its safe use forms part of the driver's general responsibility to maintain control of the vehicle.

Yes. Every driver must remain capable of carrying out all necessary manoeuvres and must keep the vehicle under control at all times.

No. Belgian traffic rules prohibit a driver from repeatedly accelerating an engine while it is running in neutral. Unnecessary engine idling is also prohibited.

A tachometer shows the engine's rotational speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). It does not show the vehicle's speed in km/h.

No. A tachometer displays engine speed, while a tachograph is recording equipment used in regulated road transport to record information such as vehicle speed, distance travelled and time.

No. The current Belgian Road Code does not establish general road-traffic limits based on engine RPM. Drivers must instead comply with the applicable speed limits and keep their vehicle under control.

Yes. Every driver must remain capable of carrying out all necessary driving movements and must continuously keep the vehicle under control.

No general fixed hand position is prescribed in the current Belgian Road Code. The driver must nevertheless remain able to steer safely and maintain full control of the vehicle.

No. Unless the vehicle is stationary or parked, a driver may not use, hold or manipulate a mobile electronic device with a screen unless it is secured in a holder intended for that purpose.

No general rule requires every car to have power steering. The vehicle's steering system must, however, comply with the applicable technical and vehicle-approval requirements.

Yes. The steering system is safety-critical equipment and must function correctly. Steering and steering assistance can be checked as part of vehicle technical and safety inspections.

Keep control of the vehicle, reduce speed and stop safely when possible. Steering assistance failure can make the steering much heavier, so the vehicle should be inspected or repaired before normal driving continues.

No. Scanning is a driving-observation technique rather than a separately defined legal concept, but effective observation supports the driver's obligations to remain in control and react safely to traffic conditions.

Yes. Rear-view mirrors must be adjusted so that the driver can observe traffic behind and to the left, including a vehicle that has started overtaking on the left.

Drivers must adapt their speed to factors including other road users, traffic density, visibility and road conditions and must always be able to stop for a foreseeable obstacle.

The driver must adjust the rear-view mirrors so that, from the normal driving position, they can observe traffic behind and to the left and in particular detect a vehicle that has started overtaking on the left.

Yes. The mirrors should be correctly positioned for the driver's seating position before driving so that the required view of surrounding traffic is available.

Yes. Cars must be equipped with the rear-view mirrors or approved indirect-vision equipment required by the applicable Belgian and European vehicle-approval rules.

Passenger vehicles are normally equipped with an interior rear-view mirror together with exterior rear-view mirrors according to their applicable technical approval requirements. Where rearward vision through the vehicle is impossible, approved exterior or indirect-vision arrangements provide the necessary view.

A vehicle must continue to satisfy the applicable technical and visibility requirements. A required mirror that is missing, insecure or incapable of providing the necessary rearward view should therefore be repaired or replaced.

No. Mirrors should be used together with direct observation where necessary. Before changing lane or moving sideways, the driver must make sure that the manoeuvre can be performed without endangering other road users.

Yes. Before moving left to overtake, you must ensure that another driver behind has not already begun overtaking you and that the manoeuvre can be performed safely.

Yes. A lane change is a manoeuvre and must not endanger other road users. Check the mirrors and any relevant blind spot before moving into another lane.

Yes. Before opening a door, use the mirrors and direct observation to check for cyclists, moped riders, motorcyclists and other road users approaching alongside the vehicle.

Yes. Belgian technical regulations require motorcycles to be equipped with approved rear-view mirrors according to the vehicle's type and approval requirements.

As with other drivers, the mirrors must be adjusted so the rider can observe traffic behind and to the left, including another vehicle that has begun overtaking.

Yes. Special removable rear-view mirrors may be fitted to the towing vehicle in addition to its normal approved mirrors when towing a caravan-type trailer, allowing the driver to maintain an adequate view behind the combination.

Belgium uses standardised European fuel labels. Petrol is identified with labels such as E5 or E10, while diesel uses labels such as B7. These labels help drivers check whether a fuel is suitable for their vehicle.

E5 and E10 are petrol labels indicating the permitted proportion of ethanol or other equivalent renewable components in the fuel. Drivers should check which petrol their vehicle is approved to use.

Common fuels include 95 RON E10 petrol, 98 RON E5 petrol and diesel B7. LPG and other alternative fuels are also available at suitable filling stations.

You should look for a suitable filling station and refuel as soon as reasonably possible. The remaining driving range varies between vehicles and should not be treated as a guaranteed distance.

No. The gauge only provides an approximate fuel level. For longer journeys, drivers should consider the expected distance, available filling stations and the vehicle's fuel consumption.

Fuel moves inside the tank as the vehicle accelerates, brakes, corners or travels on a slope. The gauge system normally compensates for this, but temporary changes in the displayed level can still occur.

Petrol is commonly called petrol in English and benzine or essence in Belgium's Dutch- and French-speaking contexts. At filling stations, petrol grades are identified by their octane rating and standardised fuel labels.

Common petrol grades include 95 RON E10 and 98 RON E5. Drivers should choose a grade that is approved for their vehicle.

No. Most modern petrol vehicles are compatible with E10, but some older vehicles may not be. Drivers should check the vehicle manufacturer's information before using E10 if compatibility is uncertain.

Diesel B7 is the standard diesel commonly available for road vehicles in Belgium. It can contain up to 7% biocomponents and complies with the European diesel standard for road vehicles.

Yes. Other diesel fuels such as B10 and XTL can also be marketed in Belgium. Drivers should check that their vehicle is compatible before using an alternative diesel grade.

Diesel fuels use standardised European square fuel labels containing designations such as B7 or B10. These labels help drivers identify the correct fuel for their vehicle.

Diesel exhaust fluid is commonly known as AdBlue in Belgium. It is used by diesel vehicles equipped with selective catalytic reduction systems to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

No. AdBlue and diesel must be kept completely separate. AdBlue has its own tank and filler opening, and putting either liquid into the wrong tank can cause serious vehicle problems.

Yes. The warning indicates that the AdBlue level is becoming low. Drivers should refill it with a suitable product according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions rather than waiting until the tank is empty.

Yes. Vehicles subject to the Belgian insurance obligation must have civil liability motor insurance when they are used on public roads or other areas covered by the legal requirement.

The compulsory civil liability insurance covers the insured person's legal liability for injury and property damage caused to third parties by the insured vehicle, subject to the applicable insurance rules and policy conditions.

No. Civil liability motor insurance is the compulsory element. Additional protection, such as cover for theft, fire, glass damage, accidental damage or other risks, can be purchased voluntarily according to the driver's needs and the insurer's policy conditions.

Yes. Cars in Belgium must carry the required first-aid equipment. For an ordinary passenger car, this normally takes the form of a first-aid case containing the items prescribed by the technical vehicle regulations.

The prescribed basic kit includes sterile dressings, triangular gauze, bandages, antiseptic adhesive plasters and safety pins or equivalent fasteners. It must also contain information about its contents and first-aid instructions.

Yes. Buses, coaches and certain vehicles used for passenger transport must carry a larger universal first-aid chest. Vehicles in this category with a maximum authorised mass above 5000 kg must carry two such first-aid chests.