AmbulanceBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
72. Ambulance
An ambulance is a vehicle equipped and used to provide emergency medical assistance or transport patients to or between healthcare facilities. Ambulances may carry medical equipment and trained personnel who can provide treatment during transport.
During an emergency response, an ambulance may use warning lights and a siren and may receive special priority or exemptions from certain traffic rules. Other road users must follow the local rules for emergency vehicles, make sufficient space and avoid obstructing their passage.
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Is an ambulance a priority vehicle in Belgium?
An ambulance or other vehicle used for urgent medical assistance can operate as a priority vehicle when it satisfies the applicable requirements for priority vehicles, including the prescribed blue warning lights and special audible warning device.
What should you do when a Belgian ambulance approaches with its siren?
You must immediately clear the way and give priority. You must stop if necessary so that the ambulance can pass safely.
Must an ambulance use its blue flashing lights during an urgent mission?
Yes. Belgian priority vehicles must use their blue flashing lights when carrying out an urgent mission.
Must a Belgian ambulance use its siren throughout an urgent mission?
No. The special audible warning device may only be used during an urgent mission, but Belgian law does not require it to sound continuously throughout every urgent journey.
What if an ambulance is using blue lights but no siren?
The specific Belgian obligation requiring every road user to immediately clear the way and give priority is triggered when the special audible warning announces the approach of the priority vehicle. Drivers should nevertheless remain alert and avoid obstructing an ambulance displaying blue warning lights.
Can a Belgian ambulance pass a red traffic light?
Yes, under specific conditions. A priority vehicle using its special audible warning may pass a red traffic light at moderate speed, provided doing so does not create danger for other road users.
Can a Belgian ambulance depart from normal traffic rules during an emergency?
Yes. The driver of a vehicle used for urgent medical assistance may depart from many ordinary Road Code provisions while carrying out an urgent mission. Certain rules specifically listed in the Road Code continue to apply.
Can a Belgian ambulance exceed the normal speed limit?
During an urgent mission, the driver of an emergency medical vehicle can benefit from exemptions from many normal traffic rules, including ordinary speed provisions. The driver must nevertheless operate the vehicle in a manner compatible with the applicable safety obligations.
Should you enter an intersection to make room for an ambulance?
Do not make a manoeuvre that creates a new danger. You must clear the way as quickly and safely as possible, stopping where necessary and following any directions from police or other authorised persons.
What should you do in congestion when an ambulance approaches?
Create as much safe space as possible and keep the required emergency corridor clear. Do not use the corridor yourself or move into a position that prevents the ambulance from passing.
Does an ambulance have special traffic exemptions when it is not on an urgent mission?
Not simply because it is an ambulance. The broad Belgian exemptions for emergency medical vehicles apply when the priority vehicle is carrying out an urgent mission. Outside such circumstances, the normal traffic rules apply except where another specific provision provides otherwise.
What should you do when passing a stationary ambulance at an incident?
Reduce speed, leave sufficient space and remain especially alert for medical personnel, patients and other emergency workers. Follow any temporary traffic control or instructions given by police or authorised persons.
