Support us

Public transportBelgium

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Belgium

98. Public transport

Public transport is a system of shared passenger transport available for use by the general public. It commonly includes buses, trams, trains, metros and other scheduled passenger services operating along established routes or within a transport network.

Public transport vehicles may use dedicated lanes, tracks, stops, stations or special traffic signals and may receive particular priority under local traffic rules. Other road users must respect public-transport infrastructure, stops and any special traffic signs or signals that regulate interaction with these services.

De Lijn hybrid Ringtrambus on line 820 near Zaventem Technics Nord bus station. (Zaventem, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Nenea hartia • CC BY-SA
What forms of public transport are available in Belgium?

Belgian public transport mainly includes trains, buses, trams and metro services. Different operators provide services depending on the transport mode and region.

Who operates public transport in Belgium?

NMBS/SNCB operates the national passenger railway network. De Lijn provides bus and tram services mainly in Flanders, TEC provides services in Wallonia and STIB/MIVB operates metro, tram and bus services in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Do trams have priority in Belgium?

Yes. Every road user must give way to rail vehicles such as trams and must clear the tracks as quickly as possible when necessary.

Does a bus leaving a stop have priority in Belgium?

Inside a built-up area, in the specified circumstances. A driver travelling in the same direction must allow an autobus or trolleybus to leave its stop when its driver indicates the intention to move off. The approaching driver must slow down and stop if necessary.

Does this special bus priority apply outside built-up areas?

No. The specific Belgian rule requiring following traffic to allow a bus to leave its stop applies within built-up areas.

Who may normally use a Belgian bus lane?

An F17 bus lane is reserved by default for vehicles used for regular public passenger transport. Other road users may use it only where Belgian rules permit this or where the appropriate symbol or indication is displayed.

Can cyclists use a Belgian bus lane?

Yes, when the bicycle symbol is indicated on the F17 sign or the applicable supplementary sign. Without such authorisation, the presence of a bus lane does not automatically permit cyclists to use it.

Can public-transport vehicles have special traffic lights in Belgium?

Yes. Belgium uses special white traffic signals on a black background to control vehicles used for regular public passenger transport, including tram and other authorised public-transport movements.

What should you do when passing a Belgian bus or tram stopped for passengers?

You must moderate your speed when passing a bus, coach, trolleybus, minibus or rail vehicle that is stopped so passengers can get in or out.

What if passengers must cross the road to board a bus or tram?

Where there is no refuge island, a driver travelling along the side where passengers are boarding or leaving must allow them to reach the vehicle, pavement or verge safely. The driver must stop if necessary and may continue only at moderate speed.

May you park near a Belgian bus or tram stop?

No. Parking is prohibited within 15 metres on either side of a sign indicating a bus, trolleybus or tram stop.

Can an ordinary driver briefly use a Belgian bus lane?

Yes, in certain specific situations. Other vehicles may enter or cross a bus lane when necessary to avoid an obstruction, turn near an intersection, cross it at an intersection or enter or leave adjoining property or a parking place, subject to the applicable rules.

1 Belgium 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Bike path 9 Cycling street 10 Pedestrian zone 11 Speed bump 12 Customs 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 Mandatory direction 28 Turn prohibition 29 School area 30 Crossing animals 31 Rockfall 32 Curve 33 Chevron 34 Wrong-way driving 35 Roadworks 36 Height limit 37 Width limit 38 Weight limit 39 Radar speed sign 40 Selective barriers 41 Intersection direction sign 42 Priority at the next junction 43 Traffic lights 44 Pedestrian lights 45 Driving licence 46 Location marker 47 Traffic mirror 48 International border 49 Cycling route 50 Parking 51 No parking 52 Kiss and ride 53 Parking meter 54 Traffic management 55 Reversing 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Ring road 59 Cycle highway 60 Licence plate 61 Charging station 62 Dangers 63 Turn on red 64 Identity card 65 Fire risk 66 Pedestrian 67 Moped 68 Car 69 Truck 70 Bus 71 Police 72 Ambulance 73 Tram lights 74 European emission standard 75 Pothole 76 Public square 77 Path 78 Particulates 79 Air pollution 80 Rush hour 81 Road code 82 Street gutter 83 Cargo bike 84 Forestry vehicle 85 Construction vehicle 86 Semi-trailer truck 87 Trolleybus 88 Speed pedelec 89 Delivery vehicle 90 Idling 91 Tow truck 92 Four-wheel drive 93 No vehicles 94 Bicycle 95 Motorcycle equipment 96 Railcar 97 Rail track 98 Public transport 99 Caravan 100 Trailer ...