Local trafficFlanders
Traffic rules
Flanders
1. Local traffic
Local traffic is traffic that needs access to a particular street or area because its journey begins, ends or requires a stop there, rather than simply passing through. Roads may be restricted to local traffic to reduce unnecessary through traffic.
The exact meaning of local traffic depends on national traffic rules. It commonly includes residents, visitors, deliveries and vehicles providing services within the restricted area.
Who counts as local traffic in Belgium?
Local traffic includes vehicles belonging to residents and their visitors, including vehicles making deliveries. It also includes regular public transport, qualifying maintenance and supervision vehicles, priority vehicles, cyclists and horse riders.
May you use a Belgian road marked 'Except local traffic' simply as a shortcut?
No. The exception is intended for traffic that falls within the legal definition of local traffic. Drivers who are merely passing through without a qualifying local purpose cannot use the road simply as a shortcut.
Are cyclists allowed on roads restricted to local traffic in Belgium?
Yes. Cyclists are explicitly included in the Belgian definition of local traffic and may therefore use roads where access is otherwise restricted to local traffic.
