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Traffic managementBelgium

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

54. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

Traffic management
Variable-message road sign used for traffic management. (Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Thomas Vlerick • CC BY
How is traffic managed in Belgium?

Belgian traffic can be managed using traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane-control signals, temporary traffic arrangements and instructions from authorised persons. Different measures may be used depending on traffic conditions, roadworks or incidents.

Must you obey traffic-management signs in Belgium?

Yes. Road users must obey official traffic lights, road signs and road markings when they comply with the prescribed form, are sufficiently visible and have been installed according to the applicable rules.

Which instruction has priority in Belgian traffic?

The orders of an authorised person take precedence over traffic signs and over the ordinary traffic rules. Traffic signs in turn take precedence over the general traffic rules.

What should you do if a police officer gives an instruction that conflicts with a traffic light?

You must follow the police officer's instruction. Orders given by an authorised person have a higher legal priority than traffic lights, road signs, road markings and the normal traffic rules.

Do traffic lights take precedence over priority signs in Belgium?

When traffic lights are operating at a location, the priority signs on the same road normally do not apply. There are specific exceptions, including flashing amber lights, lane-control signals and the B22 and B23 signs for cyclists and certain other riders.

What does a red cross above a Belgian traffic lane mean?

A red cross above a lane means that traffic is prohibited from using that lane or part of the road. Drivers must leave or avoid the closed lane as directed by the traffic-management signals.

What does a green arrow above a Belgian traffic lane mean?

A green downward-pointing arrow indicates that traffic may use the lane or part of the public road beneath it.

What does an orange diagonal arrow above a Belgian traffic lane mean?

An orange diagonal arrow, whether flashing or not, indicates that the lane must be left in the direction shown by the arrow. Drivers should change lane safely before reaching the closure.

What does a flashing amber traffic light mean in Belgium?

A flashing amber light means that road users may pass the signal but must proceed with increased caution. The flashing amber light does not change the normal priority rules.

What do temporary orange road markings mean in Belgium?

At roadworks, orange temporary lane markings may be used to guide traffic. They have the same meaning as the corresponding white continuous or broken lines and make white longitudinal markings at the same location temporarily inapplicable.

Can traffic be temporarily diverted in Belgium?

Yes. Traffic may be diverted or channelled because of roadworks, incidents or other obstructions. Temporary signs, barriers, markings and other traffic-management measures indicate the route that road users must follow.

Can police temporarily change the traffic arrangement during an emergency?

Yes. In urgent situations where traffic is obstructed, the police may use temporary traffic signs to divert or channel traffic. Such temporary signs must be removed when normal traffic conditions have been restored.

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 ...