Support us

Pedestrian zoneWallonia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Wallonia. 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
Wallonia

10. Pedestrian zone

A pedestrian zone is an area consisting of one or more streets that are reserved primarily for pedestrians. Motor-vehicle access is normally prohibited or restricted to authorised users, particular purposes or specified times.

Pedestrians may usually use the full width of the available road space. Rules concerning cyclists, deliveries, public transport, vehicle speed, stopping and parking depend on local traffic signs and regulations.

Pedestrian zone
Pedestrian-zone sign in Maaseik. (Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jeanhousen • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a pedestrian zone in Belgium?

A Belgian pedestrian zone begins at the pedestrian-zone entrance sign and ends at the corresponding end sign. The entrance sign may also display authorised users, access hours and other conditions.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

What changes for pedestrian zones under Belgium’s new Road Code?

From 1 June 2027, the new federal Code uses R14 and R15 for the beginning and end of a pedestrian zone. Existing F103 and F105 signs retain the corresponding meaning under the transition rules until 1 January 2045. The federal rule admits cyclists, other cycle users and speed pedelec riders unless signs prohibit them. They must give priority to pedestrians and people playing and stop when necessary. Check the applicable regional rules for speed and any additional access conditions.

🔗 wegcode.be • Code of the Public Road (from 1 June 2027), Provisions applicable from 1 June 2027

🔗 wegcode.be • Vias/Wegcode,2027 federal and regional transition overview

Which vehicles are automatically permitted?

Permitted categories include vehicles used to supervise, inspect, maintain or clean the zone, authorised priority vehicles when required by their mission and vehicles operating regular public-transport services.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

Must authorised drivers give way to pedestrians?

Authorised drivers must leave pedestrians free passage, stop when necessary and must not endanger or hinder them.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

May an authorised vehicle stop to load or unload?

Authorised loading or unloading may take place under the conditions shown on the entrance sign. The vehicle may not remain longer than necessary or turn the stop into prohibited parking.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

How do Belgians refer to a pedestrian zone?

The official Dutch term is voetgangerszone. The French term is zone piétonne. The zone begins and ends at the corresponding pedestrian-zone signs.

🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 22sexies and 71.2 (F103/F105)

1 Wallonia 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 ...