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Rush hourBrussels

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Brussels

80. Rush hour

Rush hour is a period when roads and public transport networks experience particularly high demand, commonly because large numbers of people are travelling to or from work, school or other regular destinations. It usually occurs during the morning and late afternoon or evening on working days.

Rush-hour traffic can result in congestion, slower speeds, longer journeys and frequent stopping. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance, remain patient, anticipate changing traffic conditions and follow any temporary or dynamic traffic-management measures.

Rush hour
Passengers during the evening rush hour on Melbourne's train network. (Melbourne, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • MDRX • CC BY-SA
What is rush hour in Belgium?

Rush hour refers to periods of particularly heavy traffic, usually associated with morning and evening commuting on working days.

Is there an official Belgian rush-hour time?

No. There is no single nationwide period legally defined as rush hour. The timing and severity of peak traffic depend on the road, region, day and actual traffic conditions.

Does rush hour change the normal Belgian traffic rules?

No. Ordinary traffic rules continue to apply during congestion. Drivers must continue to respect speed limits, lane rules, traffic lights, signs, following distances and other requirements.

Can Belgium use lower speed limits during rush hour?

Yes. Dynamic traffic-management systems can display speed limits according to traffic conditions. Drivers must respect the maximum speed indicated by the applicable signs or lane-control signals.

What is a Belgian rush-hour lane?

A spitsstrook is an additional motorway lane that can be opened during busy periods to provide extra road capacity. On Flemish motorways it is normally situated on the right-hand side where the emergency lane would otherwise be.

How do you know whether a Belgian rush-hour lane is open?

The lane may be used when the dynamic lane-control signal above it displays a green arrow or an applicable maximum speed.

What does a red cross above a Belgian rush-hour lane mean?

A red cross means that the lane is closed and ordinary traffic may not use it. Drivers must leave or avoid the lane as required.

Can you use a rush-hour lane if the overhead signals are switched off?

No. When the dynamic signalling above a Belgian rush-hour lane is completely extinguished, the rush-hour lane is considered closed and may not be used.

Is there one fixed speed limit on Belgian rush-hour lanes?

No. The permitted speed can be controlled dynamically. Drivers must follow the speed displayed above the lane and any other applicable speed restriction.

Must you form an emergency corridor during Belgian rush-hour congestion?

Yes. As soon as congestion develops on a carriageway with at least two lanes in the same direction, drivers must form an emergency corridor between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right.

May you use your handheld phone while stationary in a Belgian traffic jam?

No. Being temporarily stationary because of congestion does not allow the driver to use, hold or manipulate a handheld electronic device with a screen. The applicable Belgian rules concerning mobile devices continue to apply in traffic jams.

Where can drivers check Belgian rush-hour traffic conditions?

Current traffic information and expected journey times are available through the regional traffic-information services. Checking conditions before departure can help drivers anticipate congestion and choose an appropriate route or departure time.

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