Wrong-way drivingFlanders

The Dutch term is spookrijden. In Belgian road-safety usage, it normally refers specifically to driving in the wrong direction on a motorway.

Traffic sign C1 means that entry in that direction is prohibited for every driver, unless a supplementary sign expressly provides an exception.

Traffic sign F19 indicates a public road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the direction shown.

C1 is placed at the prohibited entrance, while F19 is normally placed at the opposite end to indicate the legally permitted direction.

Normally, yes. A driver entering past C1 travels in a prohibited direction unless the vehicle category is expressly exempted by a supplementary sign.

Yes, when supplementary signs permit it. Drivers must therefore check for authorised contraflow cyclists even though general motor traffic travels in only one direction.

They may do so when the appropriate supplementary signs expressly include their vehicle category.

No. When the signs permit two-way cycling, the cyclist is travelling legally and retains the rights and duties applying to that direction.

Traffic sign F85 indicates that traffic is temporarily permitted in both directions on part of a carriageway that normally carries one-way traffic.

Yes. Temporary signs and markings may guide traffic through a central-reservation crossing or onto another carriageway. This is legal when drivers follow the temporary arrangement.

Yes. Belgian motorway rules expressly prohibit driving in the opposite direction.

No. Reversing on a motorway is prohibited.

No. Turning around is prohibited, even when you have missed an exit or entered the wrong route.

No. Ordinary drivers may not use motorway connections through the central reservation.

Yes. The current motorway prohibitions concerning turning around, reversing and driving in the opposite direction also apply on Belgian autowegen.

Reduce speed and keep as far right as safely possible. Stop overtaking, create additional distance and follow electronic signs, radio warnings and police instructions.

Belgian road-safety guidance advises moving extremely far right and, when necessary to avoid the immediate danger, using the emergency lane. Do so cautiously and only for the emergency.

You may briefly flash them when actually passing the vehicle, but avoid doing so far in advance because the driver could panic or react unpredictably.

Notify the police as soon as possible. A passenger should make the call where possible; otherwise, stop safely before using a handheld telephone.

Slow down immediately, switch on the dipped headlights and hazard warning lights and do not accelerate towards another entrance or exit.

When there is no approaching traffic, move to the emergency lane and stop. When oncoming vehicles are present, remain as far right as possible so they have more room to avoid you.

No. Do not make a U-turn, reverse or cross the central reservation. Stop and contact the police, who can help return the vehicle to the correct direction safely.

Provide the motorway number, direction normally shown on signs, kilometre marker, nearby exit, tunnel, bridge or service area and a description of the vehicle involved.

C1 applies to drivers. Pedestrian access is governed separately by the road layout and any pedestrian prohibition signs.

No. A person travelling illegally in the wrong direction does not acquire priority. Other road users must nevertheless take every reasonable action to avoid a collision.

No. A green light permits movement only in a direction that is otherwise legally allowed. C1 and mandatory-direction signs remain applicable.

Yes. Instructions from an authorised person take precedence over traffic lights, signs, markings and ordinary traffic rules.

Yes. The Code of the Public Road taking effect on 1 June 2027 retains C1 for a prohibited direction and F19 for a one-way public road.