SlopeFlanders

Traffic sign A3 warns of a dangerous descent, while traffic sign A5 warns of a steep ascent.

Belgium’s new Code of the Public Road takes effect on 1 June 2027. The warning signs keep their existing numbers: traffic sign A3 warns of a dangerous descent and traffic sign A5 warns of a dangerous ascent. The percentage shown on the sign indicates the gradient of the slope. Under the new Road Code, the meaning of A5 is broadened from a “steep ascent” to a dangerous ascent.

Sign A3 warns that the road ahead descends steeply or dangerously in the direction of travel.

Sign A5 warns that the road ahead rises steeply in the direction of travel.

A displayed gradient of 10% means that the road rises or falls approximately 10 metres over a horizontal distance of 100 metres. It does not represent an angle of 10 degrees.

Under the current Belgian placement rules, these signs may be used for carriageways with an ascent or descent of at least 7%.

No. They are warning signs. Drivers must respect the applicable maximum speed and reduce their speed sufficiently for the gradient, visibility, traffic and road conditions.

Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and keep the vehicle under control. Drivers must always be able to stop before a foreseeable obstruction.

No. Keep the transmission engaged so that engine braking helps control the vehicle. Coasting can allow the vehicle to gain speed and places more demand on the brakes.

Select a suitable gear early and maintain a controlled speed. Expect heavy vehicles, agricultural vehicles or vehicles towing trailers to travel more slowly.

Left-side overtaking of a team, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels is prohibited when approaching the crest of a slope with insufficient visibility. An exception applies where overtaking can be completed without crossing the continuous line separating opposing traffic.

No, when visibility is insufficient. Stopping and parking on the carriageway near the top of a slope are prohibited where the vehicle would be difficult for approaching road users to see.

No. Belgian law does not give uphill traffic a universal priority solely because of the slope. Drivers must follow priority signs and the ordinary crossing rules.

The driver whose passage is obstructed must slow down and, when necessary, stop to allow approaching road users to pass.

No. Signs A3 and A5 warn of the gradient but do not alter intersection priority. Traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules remain applicable.

Yes, when necessary. Belgian drivers must adapt their speed to the road layout, visibility, traffic, weather, vehicle condition and load.

Heavy vehicles require more distance to slow down and their brakes may heat up during long descents. Additional following distance provides more time to react and brake progressively.

Drivers must leave at least one metre inside a built-up area and 1.5 metres outside a built-up area. They should wait when the crest, bend or oncoming traffic prevents a safe pass.

Apply the parking brake firmly, select a gear or the transmission’s parking position and take every necessary precaution to prevent the vehicle from moving or being misused.