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Selective barriersWallonia

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

40. Selective barriers

Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.

The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.

Selective barriers
Vehicle trap, also known locally as a carterbreker, in Morkhoven. (Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Hodagoe • CC BY-SA
Are selective barriers a separate legal road category in Belgium?

No. The current Belgian Highway Code does not define selective barriers as a separate road category. Access is determined by the applicable traffic signs, permits and local regulations.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles4–5,65.2 and68.3 — access signs and M-panels

Which Belgian sign may prohibit access at a selective barrier?

Traffic sign C3 prohibits access in both directions for every driver. Supplementary signs may exempt particular categories.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles4–5,65.2 and68.3 — access signs and M-panels

May cyclists be exempted from a Belgian sign prohibiting vehicles in both directions?

Yes. A supplementary panel showing a bicycle exception indicates that the prohibition on vehicles in both directions does not apply to cyclists.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles4–5,65.2 and68.3 — access signs and M-panels

May speed-pedelec riders be exempted?

Yes. Panel M11 may exempt speed-pedelec riders, while M12 may exempt cyclists, class A moped riders and speed-pedelec riders.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles4–5,65.2 and68.3 — access signs and M-panels

What should you do when a retractable bollard is rising or lowering?

Stop and wait until the installation has completed its movement. Proceed only when authorised and when the bollard is fully lowered.

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles4–5,65.2 and68.3 — access signs and M-panels

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