Driving in Belgium is a fantastic way to discover its charming landscapes, from picturesque countryside roads to dynamic cities steeped in history. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Bruges or the lively Brussels, understanding Belgium’s driving laws and requirements is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. This guide will help prepare you for your Belgian road adventure with key information and tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Emergency Telephone Number in Belgium

Emergency telephones are linked to an SOS telephone network and are installed at 2km intervals along motorways.

112 – You can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you’re visiting.

Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.

Belgian Driving Licence Laws

Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Belgium. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required unless you’re staying for more than 185 days.

What You Cannot Bring into Belgium

Please be aware that you cannot bring the following items into Belgium:

• Meat or products containing meat 
• Milk or dairy products 

You cannot take the following unless you pay to have them inspected and get a ‘phytosanitary certificate’:

• Fresh fruit (apart from bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians) 
• Vegetables 
• Plants 
• Plant products 

Documents You Need to Drive in Belgium

UK-registered vehicles can be temporarily imported into Belgium for up to six months within any 12-month period. To comply with legal requirements, you should always carry the following documents:

• A full, valid UK driving licence 
• Proof of identification (passport) 
• Motor insurance certificate 
• V5 registration document  

If your vehicle’s number plate does not include a UK identifier, you must display a UK sticker when driving in Belgium. Please note that GB stickers are no longer valid as of 28^th September 2021.

Compulsory Equipment for Driving in Belgium

When driving in Belgium you are legally required to carry the following items in your vehicle:

• Reflective jackets: These must be worn if you are involved in a breakdown, an accident or when stopped or parked in areas where this is prohibited. 
• Warning triangle: Mandatory for all vehicles with four or more wheels. 
• Headlamp beam deflectors: Must be made for driving on the right to prevent dazzling oncoming motorists. 
• First-aid kit and fire extinguisher: Compulsory for vehicles registered in Belgium but not for those registered abroad. 

Belgian Rules of the Road

Seat Belt Law in Belgium

Seat belts must be worn by both drivers and passengers if they are provided in the vehicle. Failing to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of €116.

What side of the road do they drive on in Belgium?

In Belgium, as in many other European countries, motorists are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the adjustment and the car’s controls before navigating busier roads.

How to overtake in Belgium

In Belgium, motorists drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. When overtaking a cyclist or moped, you must maintain a minimum distance of one metre between your vehicle and the cyclist or moped.

Overtaking is prohibited in the following situations:

• At level crossings marked with a St Andrew’s cross, which may not have gates or light signals. 
• At intersections where right-hand priority applies or where giving right of way is required. 
• When the vehicle being overtaken is also overtaking another vehicle with more than two wheels. An exception is when there are three of more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction. 
• If the vehicle is being overtaken is approaching a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist crossing at an uncontrolled location (i.e. not managed by police or traffic lights). 

Additionally, drivers may use the side of a footway if the road is too narrow to pass. However, this is only permitted when it does not endanger pedestrians.

Who has priority in Belgium?

In Belgium, vehicles coming from the right have priority. However, trams always take precedence regardless of whether they are on the left or right.

These are the most important priority rules to note:

• Buses: Drivers must slow down or stop completely in built-up areas when a bus signals its intention to leave a stop. 
• Paths and tracks: Vehicles emerging from a path or track must yield to traffic on surfaced roads. 
• Emergency vehicles: Drivers must immediately move to the side and give way to emergency vehicles as soon as they become aware of their approach. If necessary, they should come to a complete stop. 
• Roundabouts: Vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. Most roundabouts are equipped with ‘give way’ signs to clarify this rule. 
• Pedestrian crossings: Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are already on a crossing or are about to step onto it when the crossing is not controlled by traffic lights or an officer. 

Using your horn in Belgium

Warning signals should be used sparingly and sounding the horn is permitted only when necessary to prevent an accident.

Outside built-up areas, audible warnings may be used to signal your intention to overtake another vehicle. At night, however, flashing your headlights should replace the use of the horn, except in situations where immediate danger requires its use.

By following these guidelines, drivers can minimise noise pollution and maintain safety on the road.

Traffic light system

The international three-colour traffic light system is used in Belgium.

At some intersections, there are green, amber and red arrows.

What are the speed limits in Belgium?

As Belgium uses the metric system for all road signs, speed limits and other road signs that include distance are indicated with kilometres and metres.

In residential areas, the speed limit is 20 km/h.

In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50km/h (30km/h around schools).

Outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 90 km/h in the Wallonia and Brussels Capital region and 70km/h in the Flemish region.

On motorways, the speed limit is 120km/h.

Belgian Speeding Fines

Speeding fines in Belgium range from €53 to €4,000, depending on the offender’s speed and the type of road. Non-residents may face on-the-spot fines of up to €866, which must be paid immediately to the police in exchange for a receipt.

Are speed camera detectors allowed in Belgium?

Navigation systems that alert drivers to the presence of speed cameras are allowed in Belgium. However, devices that actively detect speed enforcement equipment or interfere with police operations are strictly prohibited.

Travelling with Children in Belgium

Child Car Seat Rules in Belgium

Children under 135 cm in height must travel in an appropriate child seat or restraint. However, if two child seats are already installed in the rear of the car and there is no room for a third, a child aged three or older may use a seat belt in the rear seat.

Children under the age of three are prohibited from travelling in a vehicle unless they are secured in an approved child seat.

Child restraints must be appropriate for the child’s weight and comply with approved safety standards. Rear-facing child seats must not be used in the front seat if an active airbag is present unless the airbag has been deactivated.

Driving Penalties and Fines in Belgium

On-the-spot Fines

The police can impose on-the-spot fines to visitors who infringe traffic regulations – such as driving in a bus lane or speeding at less than 10km/h over the limit.

Minimum and Maximum Fines in Belgium

Violating traffic regulations in Belgium can result in fines ranging from €80 to €4,000, depending on the severity of the offence.

In Belgium, speeding fines are categorised into four offence levels, each with specific immediate payment deposits and fine ranges:

Offence Level One

The immediate payment deposit is €58, with fines ranging from €80 to €2,000.

Offences include parking violations not causing danger, driving in a bus lane, and non-observance of lane pre-selection signs.

Offence Level Two

The immediate payment deposit is €116, with fines ranging from €160 to €2,000.

Offences include using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, parking in a way that causes danger to others (e.g., on a pavement, in a disabled bay, or near a junction), not wearing a seat belt, failing to observe an orange traffic light, and infringing priority rules.

Offence Level Three

The immediate payment deposit is €174, with fines ranging from €240 to €4,000.

Offences include violating passing rules, not stopping at a red traffic light, overtaking when prohibited, and transporting a child without an adequate child protection system.

Offence Level Four

The immediate payment deposit is €473, with fines ranging from €320 to €4,000.

Offences include dangerous overtaking, particularly in a bend or near the top of a hill, crossing a railway crossing when prohibited by lights, and reversing or performing a U-turn on a motorway.

All fines must be paid in Euros and can be settled either in cash or via debit or credit card. If you commit an offence, you have the option to pay the fine immediately or refuse and instead pay a deposit. Should you choose to pay a deposit, you must inform the police of your decision. The deposit amount will be equal to the on-the-spot fine.

Vehicle Confiscation

Police have the authority to confiscate a vehicle if it is not properly insured. Additionally, they can impound a vehicle under specific circumstances, such as when the load is deemed unsafe or when the driver tests positive for alcohol.

In some cases, a tribunal may issue an order for the seizure or confiscation of a vehicle that has been involved in a serious offence.

Parking in Belgium

Parking Regulations

Any stationary vehicle must have its engine turned off, unless absolutely necessary. It should be parked on the right-hand side of the road, except in the case of a one-way street, where parking is permitted on either side.

Paid Parking

Paid parking is regulated by parking meters or automatic parking machines, with payment methods and parking conditions clearly indicated on the machines.

In blue zones where these meters or machines are in place, parking discs are not required, unless the parking meter or ticket machine is out of service.

Enforcement of Parking Regulations

Wheel clamps are sometimes used to immobilise vehicles that are not legally insured. They are not used to penalise drivers who have illegally parked their vehicles.

Disabled Parking Access

Foreign disabled permits are recognised in Belgium.

Special parking spaces are reserved for disabled individuals, marked with the ‘E23’ sign and the international symbol.

Badge holders are also permitted to park without time restrictions in areas where parking is typically limited by road signs, blue zones, or parking meters.

Toll Roads in Belgium

Motorways in Belgium are toll-free except for vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more.

Alcohol Limits

Legal Limit

The legal limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.05% alcohol in the blood.

For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.02%.

Random Breath Test

Anyone driving, about to drive, or involved in an accident may be required to undergo a breath test at the scene.

If the test is positive, you will be prohibited from driving for at least three hours, and your driving licence will be suspended for that duration.

If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or higher, or if you refuse to take the test, you will be prohibited from driving for a minimum of six hours.

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol range from an on-the-spot fine of €179 and a three-hour driving ban to a fine of up to €1,260 and a possible 15-day license suspension.

Fuel

Unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG are widely available throughout Belgium.

Most petrol stations are closed overnight from 20:00 to 08:00 and often all day on Sundays but petrol stations located on motorways and major roads remain open 24 hours a day, including Sundays.

Some stations also feature automated pumps that accept credit or debit cards.

Hiring a Car in Belgium

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Belgium. However, it’s still worth reviewing to make sure you are as prepared as possible. For drivers of rented vehicles, here at the most important things to know:

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 19 years old to hire a car but age requirements depend on the provider and model of car. 
• Driving Licence: A full, valid UK driving licence is required, along with a second form of ID, such as a passport. 
• Licence Duration: Most rental companies require you to have held your licence for at least 1 year. 
• Deposit Requirements: A credit card may be needed to cover the deposit. 
• Travel Restrictions: Planning to drive outside of France? Confirm with your rental company beforehand, as this may not always be allowed. 
• Excess Insurance: Protect yourself from unexpected costs with rental car excess insurance. It is more affordable to arrange this in advance with a third-party insurer like Cover4Rentals, rather than directly with the rental company. 

By staying informed and well-prepared, you can enjoy a hassle-free car rental experience and focus on enjoying your time in Belgium.

For a seamless rental experience, consider purchasing car hire excess insurance. In the event of accidental damage to the rental car, you only need to pay the excess to the rental company and then claim it back through us – it’s that simple.

Taking the time to familiarise yourself with Belgian driving rules and securing the right insurance coverage will allow you to concentrate on what truly matters – creating lasting memories during your trip!