Motorcycle equipmentBelgium

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Traffic rules

Belgium

95. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY

What protective equipment must a motorcyclist wear in Belgium?

A motorcycle rider must wear an approved helmet, gloves, a jacket with long sleeves and long trousers or an overall, together with boots or ankle boots that protect the ankles.

Must motorcycle passengers wear the same equipment in Belgium?

Yes. The Belgian requirements concerning the helmet, gloves, long sleeves, long trousers or overall and ankle-protecting footwear apply to both motorcycle riders and passengers.

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory in Belgium?

Yes. Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear an approved protective helmet, except in the limited circumstances provided for motorcycles with a passenger compartment where the legally required restraint system is being used.

Can you ride a motorcycle in shorts in Belgium?

No. Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear long trousers or an overall. Shorts do not satisfy this requirement.

Can you ride a motorcycle in a short-sleeved shirt in Belgium?

No. Belgian law requires a jacket with long sleeves for motorcycle riders and passengers.

Are gloves compulsory on a motorcycle in Belgium?

Yes. Both the rider and passenger of a motorcycle must wear gloves.

What footwear must motorcyclists wear in Belgium?

Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear boots or ankle boots that protect the ankles.

Do the Belgian clothing rules also apply to a 125 cc scooter?

Yes, if the vehicle is legally classified as a motorcycle. The clothing requirement applies to motorcycles regardless of whether their design resembles a traditional motorcycle or a scooter.

Must a Belgian motorcycle use its headlight during the day?

Yes. Under the Road Code currently in force, motorcycles travelling on the public road must continuously use their dipped headlight and red rear light, including during daytime conditions when ordinary vehicle lighting would not otherwise be required.

How should motorcycle mirrors be used in Belgium?

The rider must adjust the rear-view mirrors so that traffic behind and to the left can be observed, including another vehicle beginning to overtake.

Must a motorcycle passenger use the footrests?

Yes. Motorcycle passengers must keep their feet on the footrests while travelling.

Is a reflective safety vest compulsory while normally riding a motorcycle?

No general rule requires a motorcyclist to wear a reflective vest during ordinary riding. However, if a motorcycle breaks down on a motorway or autoweg at a place where stopping or parking is prohibited, the driver must wear a retro-reflective safety vest as soon as they leave the vehicle.

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