DangersFlanders
Traffic rules
Flanders
62. Dangers
A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.
Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
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Which Belgian sign warns of a danger without a specific warning symbol?
The Belgian A51 sign warns of a danger that is not represented by a specific warning symbol.
Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.
Signal routier A51 • Danger non défini par un symbole spécial. Un panneau additionnel indique la nature du danger.
Verkeersbord A51 • Gevaar dat niet door een speciaal symbool wordt bepaald. Een onderbord duidt de aard van het gevaar aan.
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What does the supplementary panel below an A51 sign mean?
The supplementary panel identifies the nature of the danger for which the A51 sign has been placed.
When may an A51 sign be used in Belgium?
A51 is used when no other Belgian warning sign can appropriately indicate the danger. If a specific warning sign exists for the hazard, that sign should normally be used instead.
What should you do when you see an A51 sign?
Increase your attention, read the supplementary information and observe the road and surroundings carefully. Adapt your speed where necessary to deal safely with the indicated danger.
Does an A51 sign impose a speed limit?
No. A51 is a warning sign and does not itself impose a numerical speed limit. A separate C43 speed-limit sign may be used when a specific maximum speed is required.
Must you slow down when approaching an A51 danger?
You must adapt your speed to the circumstances. Belgian drivers must take account of factors such as visibility, traffic, road conditions, local conditions and foreseeable obstacles, so a reduction in speed may be necessary depending on the danger.
Does A51 give priority to other road users?
No. A51 warns of danger but does not itself change the priority rules. Any applicable priority signs, traffic lights and general priority rules remain in force.
Can A51 warn about a temporary danger?
Yes. A51 can be used where an unusual temporary danger needs to be signalled and no more specific warning sign is suitable.
Can A51 warn about a permanent or recurring danger?
Yes. The sign is not limited to temporary hazards. It can also identify another unusual or recurring danger when no dedicated warning symbol appropriately represents it.
Can additional information show where the danger begins?
Yes. Supplementary information can be used in accordance with Belgian signing rules to provide details such as the location or distance of a hazard.
Can A51 be used instead of a slippery-road or roadworks sign?
Normally no when the specific sign accurately represents the hazard. Belgium already has dedicated warning signs for hazards such as slippery roads, roadworks, traffic lights, falling rocks and pedestrians. A51 is reserved for dangers that cannot be represented by another suitable warning sign.
Will the general danger sign still exist under the new Belgian Road Code?
Yes. The new Code of the Public Road, which is scheduled to apply from 1 June 2027, retains the A51 sign for a danger not represented by a specific symbol and continues to use a supplementary panel to identify the nature of the danger.
