Rail trackBelgium
Traffic rules
Belgium
97. Rail track
A rail track is a pair of rails used to guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may run alongside a road, cross it or be embedded directly in the carriageway so that rail vehicles and other road users travel through the same area.
Road users should take particular care around tracks because rail vehicles cannot steer around obstacles and require considerable distance to stop. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must follow the applicable priority rules, traffic lights, warning signs and crossing rules and must avoid unnecessarily obstructing the tracks.
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Do trams have priority on tracks in Belgium?
Yes. Every road user must give way to rail vehicles and must clear the tracks as quickly as possible to allow them to pass.
Does a tram have priority even when it approaches from the left?
Yes. The special priority rule for rail vehicles is not the ordinary priority-from-the-right rule. Road users must give way to the tram regardless of whether it approaches from the left or right, subject to any applicable traffic-control signals.
May ordinary vehicles drive on tram tracks in Belgium?
This depends on how the tracks are incorporated into the public road. Where tracks form part of an ordinary carriageway, other traffic may use the road as permitted. A reserved public-transport track or separate track area may only be used in the circumstances permitted by Belgian rules and signs.
May you drive on railway tracks located outside the carriageway?
No. Ordinary traffic on tracks laid outside the carriageway is prohibited.
Which Belgian sign warns that tracks cross the carriageway?
The Belgian A49 warning sign indicates that the public road is crossed by one or more tracks that are laid in the carriageway.
May you park where your vehicle blocks tram tracks?
No. Parking is prohibited anywhere that the parked vehicle would obstruct the passage of a rail vehicle.
May you park near a Belgian tram stop?
No. Parking is prohibited within 15 metres on either side of a sign indicating a tram, bus or trolleybus stop.
On which side should you normally overtake a tram in Belgium?
A rail vehicle travelling along the carriageway is normally overtaken on the right, whether it is moving or stopped for passengers to board or leave.
Can you overtake a tram on the left?
Yes, in limited circumstances. This is permitted when passing on the right is impossible because of insufficient space or a fixed obstruction, provided oncoming road users are not hindered or endangered. It may also be permitted on a one-way carriageway when traffic conditions justify it.
What should drivers do near a tram stopped for passengers?
Drivers must reduce their speed. Where there is no refuge island and passengers must cross the roadway to reach or leave the tram, drivers on that side must stop when necessary so passengers can move safely.
Can pedestrians cross a pedestrian crossing over tram tracks when a tram approaches?
Normally no. Unless traffic lights specifically permit them to cross, pedestrians may not enter a pedestrian crossing that crosses tram tracks or a reserved tram track when a tram is approaching.
What should cyclists do when riding between tram tracks?
Cyclists must remember that the tram has priority and should clear the tracks as soon as this can be done safely when a tram needs to pass. Extra care is also needed because bicycle wheels can be affected by the rail grooves.
