CarBrussels

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Brussels

68. Car

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to transport a small number of people and their luggage on roads. Cars may be powered by petrol, diesel, electricity, hydrogen or a combination of different energy sources.

Drivers must comply with the applicable requirements concerning the driving licence, vehicle registration, insurance, technical condition, seat belts and passenger safety. Speed limits, equipment requirements, road access and other traffic rules vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Cars, motorcycles and mopeds prohibited. (Maaseik, Belgium)
Wikimedia.org • Jean Housen • CC BY-SA

What is considered a car in Belgium?

In everyday use, a car usually means a passenger motor vehicle. The Belgian Road Code uses the broader legal term auto for motor vehicles that do not fall within the definitions of a moped, motorcycle or motorised three- or four-wheeler.

Which driving licence do you normally need for a car in Belgium?

An ordinary passenger car normally requires a category B driving licence.

What vehicles can you drive with a Belgian category B licence?

Category B covers vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3500 kg that are designed and constructed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

How old must you be to obtain a full category B licence in Belgium?

The category B practical driving test can be taken from the age of 18. The theory test can be taken from the age of 17.

Must a Belgian car be registered?

Yes. As a general rule, a vehicle may only be put into circulation once it has been registered and carries the registration plate assigned to that registration.

Does a Belgian car need insurance?

Yes. Motor-vehicle third-party liability insurance, commonly called BA auto, is compulsory. It covers the civil liability for damage caused to third parties under the applicable rules.

Must people wear seat belts in a Belgian car?

Yes. Drivers and passengers must wear the seat belts provided at their seating positions, subject to the limited exemptions specified by law.

What child-restraint rule applies in Belgian cars?

Children under 18 years old and shorter than 135 cm must normally be transported in a suitable approved child-restraint system. Specific exceptions apply in certain circumstances and vehicle types.

How many people may travel in a Belgian car?

The number of occupants may not exceed the number of authorised seating positions equipped with seat belts or approved child-restraint systems, together with any seating positions that are legally exempt from having them.

What safety equipment must a Belgian car carry?

Belgian cars must carry the prescribed safety equipment, including a warning triangle, fire extinguisher and first-aid kit or case. Other equipment requirements may apply depending on the vehicle and circumstances.

What is the minimum tyre tread depth for a Belgian car?

The main grooves of ordinary car tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. Tyres must also remain in a safe and serviceable condition.

Can a Belgian category B car tow a trailer?

Yes. A category B vehicle may normally tow a trailer with an MTM of up to 750 kg. Heavier trailers or combinations may require category B with code 96 or a category BE licence, depending on the authorised masses involved.

Moped

Truck

1 Brussels 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 ...