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Tram lightsFlanders

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

73. Tram lights

Tram lights are special traffic signals used to control the movement of trams and, in some countries, other public-transport vehicles. They are often designed differently from ordinary red, amber and green traffic lights so that public-transport drivers can clearly distinguish the signals intended for them.

The signals may indicate stop, prepare to stop, proceed or proceed only in a specified direction. Their shapes, colours and meanings vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic-signal system and regulations.

Tram lights
Traffic signals controlling tram movements. (Brussels, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Robot8A • CC BY-SA
What are tram lights in Belgium?

Belgian tram lights are special traffic signals for vehicles used in regular public passenger transport. They use white bars, circles and triangles on a black background instead of ordinary red, amber and green lenses.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

Can cyclists have to follow these special public-transport lights?

Yes, in certain situations. Cyclists using a special traversable reserved lane controlled by these public-transport signals must follow the special signals applying there.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

Can a tram receive permission to move while cars remain stopped?

Yes. The special public-transport signals can separately control tram or public-transport movements, so a tram may be permitted to proceed while ordinary road traffic remains stopped by its own signal.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 62ter and 72.6 (public-transport signals and authorised cycle users)

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