Traffic signsFlanders

Yes. Vehicle doors and their hinges, catches and supporting structure can be checked during the technical inspection to ensure they are secure and operate correctly.

Yes. A door that does not open or close correctly is considered a defect during technical inspection and may lead to rejection depending on its severity.

A door that can open unexpectedly or cannot remain securely closed is a serious safety defect. The severity can depend on the type of door and the risk it creates.

Yes. Damaged, missing or loose doors, hinges, catches or door pillars can be recorded as defects during the technical inspection.

Belgian technical inspection requirements are based in part on European roadworthiness rules, which include checks of doors, hinges and catches as part of the vehicle body inspection.

No. Belgian rules require certain vehicle and driver documents to be available while driving, but they do not have to be stored specifically in the glovebox.

Required documents include the driving licence and identity card, proof of insurance, registration certificate, technical inspection certificate and certificate of conformity where applicable.

Copies do not normally replace the required originals during a police check. The Federal Police advises drivers to be able to present the original vehicle documents.

The Belgian Federal Police advises against leaving the original documents permanently in an unattended vehicle because of the risk of theft. They recommend keeping them together in a document holder and taking them with you when leaving the vehicle.

Yes. When presenting a vehicle for technical inspection, the required vehicle documents must be provided, including documents such as the registration certificate, certificate of conformity, previous inspection certificate and proof of insurance where applicable.

Yes. Belgian vehicle requirements provide that the driver must have a sufficient view ahead and to the sides. Windscreens, windows and other equipment should therefore not unnecessarily obstruct the driver’s field of vision.

No. A vehicle and its load must be arranged so that the load does not obstruct the driver's visibility, create danger or hide required lights, reflectors or the registration number.

Under the current Belgian traffic rules, the prescribed vehicle lights must be used between nightfall and dawn and whenever it is no longer possible to see clearly for approximately 200 metres.

Rear fog lights must be used when fog or snowfall reduces visibility to less than approximately 100 metres and also during heavy rain. They may not be used in other circumstances.

Yes. Windscreen cracks, scratches, discoloration and other damage can affect visibility. In Flanders, certain damage within the area swept by the windscreen wipers can result in a red inspection certificate.

Yes. The driver should adjust the vehicle's systems for indirect vision, such as mirrors, so that traffic behind and beside the vehicle can be observed from the driving position.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their speed to visibility, weather, road conditions and traffic. The posted speed limit may therefore be too fast when visibility is reduced by fog.

Under the current Belgian rules, rear fog lights must be used when fog reduces visibility to less than approximately 100 metres. They may not be used in other circumstances unless another permitted condition applies.

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

Yes. The prescribed vehicle lights must be used whenever visibility is sufficiently reduced. Fog lights are additional or alternative lighting under the conditions allowed by the traffic rules.

The basic rule remains similar. Under the new Code of the Public Road, rear fog lights must be used and front fog lights may be used when fog reduces visibility to less than approximately 100 metres. The new code uses the same approximate 100-metre threshold for heavy precipitation as well.

Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their speed to the weather, visibility, road condition and traffic situation. The posted speed limit may therefore be too fast during a hailstorm.

The prescribed vehicle lights must be used whenever conditions make it impossible to see clearly for approximately 200 metres. This can apply when a severe hailstorm significantly reduces visibility.

There is no separate driving regime specifically for hail. Drivers must follow the general rules and adapt their driving to the weather and road conditions, including slippery roads and poor visibility caused by hail.

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden steering or braking. Accumulated hail can create a slippery road surface with greatly reduced grip.

Yes. Hail can damage the windscreen, windows, mirrors or lights. If damage affects the driver’s visibility or the safe operation of the vehicle, it should be repaired before continuing to drive when necessary.

Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their speed to visibility, weather, road conditions and traffic. Strong sun glare can therefore require a lower speed even when the posted speed limit is higher.

Yes. Belgian vehicle requirements provide that the driver must have a sufficient view ahead and to the sides. Objects or equipment should therefore not significantly obstruct the driver’s field of vision.

Yes. Dirt, scratches, cracks or discoloration can scatter sunlight and reduce visibility. Keeping the windscreen clean and in good condition is particularly important when driving toward a low sun.

Yes. Certain cracks, scratches, distortions or discolorations within the area swept by the windscreen wipers can result in rejection during technical inspection.

There is no separate driving regime specifically for sunlight. The general rule applies: the driver must adapt speed and driving behaviour to the available visibility and remain able to drive safely.

Yes. There is no general prohibition on wearing sunglasses while driving, and the Belgian Federal Police recommends them as a useful way to reduce glare from a low sun. They should not make it harder to see the road safely.

No. Even when wearing sunglasses, drivers must adapt their speed to the available visibility and driving conditions. Sunglasses can reduce glare but cannot eliminate every visibility problem.

Belgian driving licences can contain medical restriction codes for vision correction, including code 01.01 for glasses and 01.06 for glasses or contact lenses. Drivers must respect any vision-correction requirement shown on their licence.

There is no separate general rule setting a specific darkness for ordinary sunglasses, but the driver must still be able to see sufficiently well to drive safely. Lenses that substantially reduce visibility should therefore not be used.

There is no special Belgian rule requiring sunglasses to be removed in every tunnel, but drivers should remove them if they reduce visibility in the darker environment.

Yes. Belgian road authorities use salt, wet salt and brine to help prevent or remove snow and ice during winter conditions.

Yes. Road authorities can carry out preventive salting before frost, ice, snow or freezing rain develops. This is known as anti-icing and can reduce the risk of slippery roads.

Responsibility depends on the road. Regional authorities maintain motorways and regional roads, while municipalities are generally responsible for local roads under their control.

No. Even after treatment, roads can remain slippery during snowfall, freezing rain, frost or rapidly changing temperatures. Drivers must still adapt their speed and following distance to the actual conditions.

Yes. In Flanders and Wallonia, winter services use preventive treatments based on weather forecasts and road-condition monitoring to reduce the risk of frost and ice forming.

The exact organisation differs by region. In Flanders, the winter service normally runs from the third Monday of October until the fourth Monday of April. In Wallonia, the regional winter service normally runs from 15 October to 15 April.

No. Air conditioning itself is not generally mandatory equipment for passenger cars in Belgium. However, the vehicle must still provide adequate visibility and comply with applicable technical requirements.

Yes. A functioning demisting and defrosting system is important for maintaining clear visibility through the windscreen and forms part of the applicable vehicle safety requirements.

Yes. European roadworthiness rules used as the basis for Belgian technical inspection include checks of the windscreen demisting system. A system that does not operate correctly can be recorded as a defect.

The periodic technical inspection focuses on roadworthiness and safety systems. The air-conditioning system itself is not generally treated as a mandatory comfort feature, although related systems such as demisting and ventilation may be relevant to visibility and safety.

Yes. Using air conditioning together with the vehicle's ventilation system can remove moisture from the air and help clear misted windows, which is especially useful in damp or cold weather.

Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their driving to the weather, visibility and condition of the road. Heavy rain or standing water can therefore require a lower speed than the posted maximum.

No. Belgium does not have a general speed limit specifically for hydroplaning. Drivers must instead choose a speed that is safe for the actual road and weather conditions.

For ordinary passenger-car tyres, the main grooves must have at least 1.6 mm of remaining tread depth. Tyres below that limit do not meet the applicable technical requirements.

Yes. Tyre condition and tread depth are checked during technical inspection. In Flanders, a tyre whose tread has worn below 1.6 mm can result in a red inspection certificate with a prohibition on use.

Yes. Meeting the legal minimum tread depth does not eliminate the risk of hydroplaning. Speed, water depth, tyre pressure and tyre condition all influence how well the tyres maintain contact with a wet road.

Ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden braking or steering and allow the tyres to regain grip. Belgian rules require drivers to adapt their behaviour to the road and weather conditions.

Not while holding or manipulating it. Unless the vehicle is stopped or parked, a driver may not use, hold or manipulate a mobile electronic device with a screen unless it is fixed to the vehicle in a holder intended for that purpose.

No. The rule applies broadly to mobile electronic devices with a screen, not only phones. This can include devices such as tablets and smartwatches.

The specific prohibition on using a mobile electronic device does not apply when the device is fixed to the vehicle in a holder intended for that purpose. The driver must nevertheless remain in control of the vehicle and avoid unsafe distraction.

No. The prohibition covers not only active use but also holding or manipulating the device while the vehicle is not stopped or parked.

Yes. Belgian rules require every driver to be able to perform all necessary driving manoeuvres and remain in control of the vehicle. An activity that prevents this can therefore be unsafe even when it is not specifically named in the mobile-device rule.

The new Code of the Public Road keeps the same basic prohibition on using, holding or manipulating a mobile electronic device with a screen unless the vehicle is stopped or parked or the device is mounted in a suitable holder. It also expressly applies the prohibition to a person accompanying a learner driver during driver training.

No. Belgian traffic rules do not create a separate offence specifically for being angry, stressed or upset while driving. However, every driver must be fit to drive, remain able to perform the required manoeuvres and keep control of the vehicle.

Potentially. If emotions lead to behaviour such as speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, failing to keep control or ignoring traffic rules, the driver can be responsible for those violations.

If you can no longer concentrate or control your driving safely, it is better to stop at a safe and permitted place and continue only when you are able to drive calmly and attentively.

Yes. Under the current Road Code, every driver must be in a condition to drive and constantly able to perform the necessary manoeuvres while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Yes. Road rage itself is not a separate general traffic rule, but actions resulting from it, such as dangerous driving, aggressive manoeuvres, speeding or threatening behaviour, can lead to offences under the applicable rules.

Road rage is not a separate named traffic offence under the Belgian Road Code. However, specific behaviour caused by road rage can violate traffic rules or other laws.

Yes. Belgian road users must behave so that they do not cause danger or obstruction to other road users. Aggressive manoeuvres that create danger can therefore breach the traffic rules.

Yes. Every driver must be capable of performing the necessary driving manoeuvres and remain in control of the vehicle at all times.

No. Sound signals must be as short as possible and may only be used when necessary to prevent an accident or, outside built-up areas, when appropriate to warn a driver you intend to overtake.

Yes. Behaviour such as following another vehicle dangerously closely or deliberately obstructing another road user can create danger or hinder traffic and may violate applicable traffic rules.

The same basic principle remains. Under the new Code of the Public Road, every road user must avoid causing danger or obstruction and adapt their behaviour to the traffic situation, visibility, road and weather conditions and other road users.

Yes. Belgian law requires drivers to meet minimum physical and mental fitness standards. Driving fitness means that no medical condition, disability, injury or medication significantly increases the risk of an accident.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that they continue to meet the medical fitness standards. If a health problem may affect safe driving, medical assessment may be required.

You should consult your doctor. Depending on the condition, the doctor may issue a driving-fitness certificate or refer you to a specialised driving-fitness centre for further assessment.

Conditions that may affect driving include vision problems, neurological disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, balance problems, reduced strength, cognitive problems and the effects of certain medicines. The impact depends on the individual condition and its severity.

CARA is a specialised driving-fitness centre operated by Vias institute. It assesses drivers whose medical or functional limitations may affect their ability to drive safely and can recommend restrictions or vehicle adaptations.

Yes. If a driver is considered fit to drive only under certain conditions, those conditions can be recorded on an adapted driving licence using restriction codes.

Yes. Drivers who use certain licence categories for paid passenger or goods transport are subject to group 2 medical fitness requirements and periodic medical examinations.

A person with epilepsy is initially considered not medically fit to drive, but may later be declared fit if the legal medical criteria are met, including the required seizure-free period and a favourable neurological assessment.

For a group 1 licence, which includes ordinary cars and motorcycles, a person with epilepsy can generally be declared fit after being seizure-free for at least one year, provided the other medical conditions are satisfied.

For group 1 drivers, a person who has experienced a single epileptic seizure may generally be declared fit after at least six seizure-free months. In certain circumstances, this can be reduced to three months when neurological tests meet the required conditions.

A neurologist or neuropsychiatrist assesses the epilepsy syndrome, seizure type and risk of recurrence. A neurologist can issue the required driving-fitness advice, and in appropriate cases a doctor can issue the certificate based on the neurological report.

It can. If a seizure occurs because anti-epileptic medication was reduced or changed, specific seizure-free periods apply before driving fitness can be restored. The exact period depends on whether the previous treatment is resumed or a different treatment is started.

For group 1 drivers, the first certificate is generally valid for a maximum of one year. If the person remains seizure-free, the validity can subsequently be extended according to the legal criteria.

Yes. Group 2 drivers, including drivers of trucks and buses and certain professional drivers, are subject to much stricter requirements. For established epilepsy, driving fitness generally requires a substantially longer seizure-free period than for ordinary car drivers.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that they continue to meet the medical fitness requirements. If epilepsy or another medical condition may affect safe driving, medical assessment is required before continuing to drive where applicable.

Yes. Belgian driving-fitness standards consider several aspects of vision, including visual acuity, visual field, twilight vision, sensitivity to light and contrast and other visual functions needed for safe driving.

If your vision may no longer meet the driving-fitness standards, you should have it assessed by an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist can determine whether you remain medically fit to drive or whether further assessment is needed.

Yes. If reduced night or twilight vision affects driving fitness, a driver may be declared fit with conditions or restrictions, temporarily unfit or unfit to drive, depending on the medical assessment.

Yes. A person who remains fit to drive only under certain conditions can receive an adapted driving licence with restrictions. One possible restriction is driving only during daylight.

Yes. Applicants for group 1 licences must declare that, with or without optical correction, they have sufficient visual acuity, including at night. If they cannot meet the required visual standards, a medical examination is necessary.

When vision may be insufficient, an ophthalmologist assesses driving fitness. The driver may also be referred to CARA or another authorised driving-fitness centre for further evaluation when necessary.

Yes. Belgian driving-fitness rules assess visual acuity, field of vision, twilight vision, contrast and light sensitivity, double vision and other visual functions that are important for safe driving.

For a group 1 licence, including ordinary cars and motorcycles, the driver must generally have a binocular visual acuity of at least 5/10, with optical correction if necessary.

The binocular horizontal field of vision must generally be at least 120°, extending at least 50° to the left and right and 20° upward and downward, with no absolute defect in the central 20°.

Yes, in some circumstances. A person who functionally uses only one eye can be declared fit to drive if the applicable visual-field and visual-function requirements are met and an ophthalmologist considers driving safe.

Yes. If optical correction is necessary for safe driving, the licence can include a restriction code requiring glasses, contact lenses or either form of correction.

You should have your vision assessed by an ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist can determine whether you remain fit to drive and may refer you to a specialised driving-fitness centre for further assessment.

Yes. A driver may be declared fit with conditions or restrictions, such as compulsory glasses, daytime-only driving, a limited driving area or other limitations recorded on an adapted licence.

Yes. Group 2 drivers, including many truck, bus and professional drivers, are subject to stricter visual standards. They generally need at least 8/10 visual acuity in the better eye and 1/10 in the other eye, with correction if necessary.

Belgian traffic rules do not set a specific fatigue limit, but every driver must be fit to drive, able to perform the necessary manoeuvres and remain in control of the vehicle. Driving when fatigue prevents this can therefore conflict with the general driving requirements.

Yes. Belgian driving-licence rules specifically include the effects of fatigue on driver behaviour, perception, judgement and reaction among the subjects covered by the theory examination.

Stop at a safe and permitted place and rest before continuing. Do not continue driving if fatigue prevents you from remaining alert and in full control of the vehicle.

Yes. Professional drivers covered by EU driving-time rules must respect mandatory driving limits, breaks and rest periods. These rules are intended in part to reduce fatigue-related risk.

Under EU rules that apply in Belgium, an applicable professional driver must normally take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving, unless a rest period begins instead.

No. The new Code of the Public Road keeps the requirement that a driver must have the necessary physical fitness and remain capable of performing all required driving manoeuvres while keeping the vehicle under control.

Belgian technical inspections distinguish between minor, serious and dangerous defects. The result determines whether the vehicle receives a green or red inspection certificate and whether reinspection is required.

A vehicle can receive a green inspection certificate with remarks. Some defects must be repaired as soon as possible, while others must be monitored even though no immediate reinspection is required.

Serious defects can result in a red inspection certificate with limited validity. In Flanders, code 2 normally gives 15 days to repair the defects and present the vehicle for reinspection.

A dangerous defect can result in a prohibition on using the vehicle in traffic. The vehicle must be repaired before it can return to normal use.

Yes. Missing, defective, badly adjusted or non-compliant lights can result in a red inspection certificate. Extremely serious lighting defects, such as all brake lights being defective, can lead to a prohibition on use.

Yes. Tyres are checked for tread depth, damage and condition. A tyre worn below the legal minimum can result in rejection and, depending on the severity and applicable inspection rules, a prohibition on use.

This depends on the type of red certificate. A vehicle with a limited-validity certificate may be driven only under the applicable restrictions, while a vehicle with a prohibition on use may not circulate normally.

Belgian traffic violations are divided into four degrees. The higher the degree, the more serious the offence and the heavier the possible penalty.

A first-degree violation is generally a less serious traffic offence. Provisions of the traffic regulations that are not specifically assigned to another degree are normally treated as first-degree violations.

Since 1 July 2026, the standard immediate collections are €64 for a first-degree violation, €128 for a second-degree violation and €191 for a third-degree violation. A fourth-degree offence carries much heavier consequences and normally leads to court proceedings for Belgian residents.

Yes. A court can impose a disqualification from driving for certain second- and third-degree offences, while a driving ban is mandatory for fourth-degree offences. Specific rules can also apply to novice drivers.

Speeding has its own fine and penalty rules based on factors such as how far the speed limit was exceeded and where the offence occurred. It is therefore treated separately from the standard four-degree classification.

No. Driving under the influence is subject to separate rules and sanctions, which can include fines, immediate driving restrictions, court proceedings and disqualification from driving.

Yes. The new federal Code of the Public Road and the three regional codes will replace the current traffic regulations on 1 June 2027. Until then, the current rules and offence classifications remain applicable.

For most drivers, the maximum permitted concentration is 0.21 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled breath. A driver becomes punishable from 0.22 mg/l, corresponding to 0.5‰ in the blood.

No. The standard limit of 0.5‰ in the blood also applies to young and inexperienced drivers. Belgium does not currently impose a separate lower alcohol limit simply because a driver is new or young.

Yes. Professional drivers performing applicable passenger or goods transport are punishable from 0.09 mg/l in exhaled breath or 0.2‰ in the blood. The stricter limit also applies when driving certain heavy vehicle categories even outside professional work.

The police can use screening devices, breath tests and breath-analysis equipment. In certain circumstances, a blood test can also be used to determine the alcohol concentration.

Yes. Depending on the alcohol concentration and circumstances, consequences can include an immediate driving prohibition or licence withdrawal, fines, court proceedings and disqualification from driving.

Yes. A court can impose an alcohol interlock for certain alcohol offences, repeat offences or high alcohol concentrations. In some serious cases, the court is required to impose one unless the law allows a specifically reasoned exception.

Since 1 July 2026, immediate collections for alcohol offences handled on the spot start at €116 for applicable professional drivers between 0.09 and 0.22 mg/l of exhaled breath, and at €197 for ordinary offences between 0.22 and 0.35 mg/l. Higher concentrations result in higher penalties and may lead to court proceedings.

No. Alcohol can impair driving before the legal limit is reached. The safest approach is not to drink alcohol when you plan to drive.

Yes. Police can require a breath test from anyone driving on a public road, anyone preparing to drive, a person accompanying a learner driver and people who may have been involved in a traffic accident.

Police may first use an alcohol-detection device or breath test. When the breath test reaches the applicable legal threshold, a more precise breath analysis is carried out to measure the alcohol concentration.

For ordinary drivers, a breath analysis is carried out when the breath test indicates at least 0.22 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled alveolar air. For drivers subject to the stricter professional limit, the threshold is 0.09 mg/l.

Yes. A blood test can be ordered in situations where the breath test or breath analysis cannot be carried out or in other circumstances provided by law.

Refusing a required breath test or breath analysis is itself punishable and also results in an immediate temporary prohibition on driving.

Since 1 July 2026, the standard immediate driving prohibition is 12 hours when the applicable alcohol threshold is reached or when the driver refuses the required test.

No. Before driving again, the person must undergo a new breath test or breath analysis. If the result remains at or above the legal threshold, or the person refuses the test, the prohibition is extended by another 12 hours.

When a breath analysis measures at least 0.35 mg/l, the person must be informed of the right to request a counter-analysis by blood test. The cost is borne by the person if the blood test confirms the offence.

An alcohol interlock is a breath-testing device connected to the vehicle. A driver subject to an alcohol-interlock programme can only start the vehicle after providing a breath sample below the required alcohol limit.

The vehicle can only be started after a breath test showing less than 0.09 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled breath, corresponding to less than approximately 0.2‰ alcohol in the blood.

A court can impose an alcohol interlock for certain alcohol offences, including drivers caught with more than 0.8‰ alcohol, drivers in a state of intoxication and repeat offenders.

A court must normally impose an alcohol interlock on drivers caught with at least 1.8‰ alcohol, unless it expressly gives reasons not to do so, and on serious repeat offenders caught twice with at least 1.2‰ within three years.

A Belgian court can impose an alcohol interlock for one to three years or for life, depending on the offence and circumstances.

The device must be installed by an authorised service centre. The centre is responsible for installation, maintenance, technical checks, repairs and removal at the end of the programme.

Yes. The driver must participate in an official supervision programme with an authorised organisation and comply with the programme conditions.

Yes. A driver restricted to vehicles equipped with an alcohol interlock receives a driving licence with restriction code 69 for the applicable vehicle categories.

The convicted driver normally pays the costs of the alcohol-interlock system and programme. A judge may reduce the fine wholly or partly to take those costs into account.

A Belgian breath test is a preliminary alcohol test in which a person blows into an approved device that indicates the level of alcohol in the exhaled alveolar air relative to specified legal thresholds.

Normally, no. The breath-test device indicates a result category based on legal thresholds rather than displaying the exact alcohol concentration used as the evidential result. The precise measurement is obtained by a breath analysis.

For ordinary drivers, the device distinguishes between alcohol levels below 0.22 mg/l, from 0.22 mg/l to below 0.35 mg/l, and 0.35 mg/l or higher. These are represented by result codes such as S, A and P.

Yes. For applicable professional drivers, the test also uses the lower threshold of 0.09 mg/l, producing an additional result category between 0.09 mg/l and 0.22 mg/l.

Police can require a breath test from drivers, people preparing to drive, persons accompanying learner drivers and people who may have caused or contributed to a traffic accident, including an accident victim where applicable.

When the breath test reaches the applicable legal threshold, a breath analysis is normally performed to measure the exact alcohol concentration. Police may also proceed directly to a breath analysis without first carrying out a breath test.

Yes. If the breath test reaches the applicable threshold but a breath analysis cannot be performed, a blood sample can be ordered under the conditions provided by law.

Yes. Refusing a legally required breath test can lead to penalties and an immediate temporary prohibition on driving. Since 1 July 2026, the standard prohibition in the applicable alcohol-control procedure is 12 hours.