VergeWallonia
Traffic rules
Wallonia
1. Verge
A verge is the strip of land alongside a roadway, situated between the roadway and features such as a ditch, embankment, property boundary or other roadside area. A verge may be level with the roadway or raised above it and may consist of grass, gravel, soil or another surface.
A verge is normally separate from the roadway, pavement and cycle path. Depending on local traffic law, pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles may be permitted to use a verge in particular circumstances, and specific rules may apply to stopping and parking on it.
What is a level verge in Belgium?
A Belgian level verge, or gelijkgrondse berm, is an area alongside the roadway that is separate from the pavement and cycle path, lies at approximately the same level as the roadway and is situated between the roadway and a ditch, embankment or property boundary.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
What is a raised verge in Belgium?
A raised verge, or verhoogde berm, is an area alongside the roadway that lies above the level of the roadway, is separate from the pavement and cycle path and is situated between the roadway and a ditch, embankment or property boundary.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
Are Belgian verges normally paved?
Not necessarily. The Road Code notes that level and raised verges are usually not surfaced with hard material and can be difficult for pedestrians to use.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
Is a Belgian verge part of the roadway?
No. A verge is a separate part of the public road alongside the roadway.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
When should pedestrians use a verge in Belgium?
Pedestrians must first use an accessible, passable pavement or facility signed D9, D10 or D11, followed by a D13 route. The order then continues with a raised verge, a level verge, a parking strip, a lateral strip, a cycle path and finally the carriageway. Do not treat every roadside verge as the first-choice walking route.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.41–2.42, 9.1.2 and 42.1
