Traffic signsFlanders

Traction control helps prevent excessive wheel spin when accelerating. If a driven wheel begins to lose grip, the system can reduce engine power or apply braking to help restore traction.

A flashing traction-control indicator generally means that the system is actively intervening because one or more driven wheels are losing grip. The driver should accelerate smoothly and adapt speed to the road conditions.

No. Traction control can only work with the grip available between the tyres and the road. Drivers must still reduce speed, accelerate gently and maintain appropriate distances on wet, snowy or icy roads.

Yes. Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear an approved protective helmet, subject to limited exceptions for vehicles with a passenger compartment and appropriate restraint systems.

Yes. Riders and passengers of mopeds without a passenger compartment must wear a protective helmet. This applies to both class A and class B mopeds.

Yes. Both the rider and passenger of a speed pedelec must wear either a moped helmet or an appropriate bicycle helmet.

A bicycle helmet used on a speed pedelec must satisfy the applicable approval requirements and provide additional protection to the temples and the back of the head. Belgian federal guidance specifies an EN 1078-approved bicycle helmet with this additional protection.

No. There is currently no general Belgian requirement for riders of ordinary bicycles to wear a helmet, although wearing one is recommended for additional protection.

No for an ordinary electrically assisted bicycle that remains legally classified as a bicycle. The helmet requirement changes when the vehicle is legally classified as a speed pedelec or another category for which helmets are compulsory.

No general helmet requirement applies when the vehicle remains within the Belgian motorised-cycle category. This should not be confused with a speed pedelec, for which a helmet is compulsory.

Yes. The helmet requirement applies to both the driver and passenger of a motorcycle, subject only to the specific legal exceptions for certain vehicles with a passenger compartment and restraint system.

Yes. A passenger on a moped without a passenger compartment must wear a protective helmet just like the driver.

No. An ordinary motorcycle requires the appropriate approved protective helmet. The special option to use a qualifying bicycle helmet applies to speed pedelecs, not ordinary motorcycles.

No. Motorcycle riders and passengers must additionally wear gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long trousers or an overall and boots or ankle boots that protect the ankles.

Riders and passengers of motorised three- and four-wheelers without a passenger compartment generally have to wear a protective helmet. Belgian law provides specific exceptions for certain agricultural vehicles and particular vehicles using approved restraint systems.

No. Cyclists using an ordinary bicycle or standard electric bicycle are not generally required to wear a bicycle helmet in Belgium, although wearing one is strongly recommended for additional head protection.

Yes. Drivers and passengers of speed pedelecs must wear either a moped helmet or a suitable bicycle helmet. A bicycle helmet used for this purpose must comply with the applicable standard and protect the temples and the back of the head.

No. When a bicycle helmet is used instead of a moped helmet on a speed pedelec, it must meet the required approval standard and provide protection for the temples and the back of the head.

Yes. Hands-free calling is allowed provided the driver does not hold or improperly use the phone. For example, calling through earphones is permitted when the phone is not held in the hand.

Yes. A mobile electronic device with a screen may be used when it is properly secured in a holder designed for that purpose. However, interacting with the screen can still distract the driver and should be kept to a minimum.

No. Holding the phone remains prohibited even when the loudspeaker or another hands-free function is active. A phone resting on the driver's lap or held between the shoulder and ear is also prohibited.

No. While driving, you may not use, hold or manipulate a smartphone unless it is secured in a holder designed for that purpose. Holding it in your hand, placing it on your lap or otherwise handling it while driving is prohibited.

Yes. A smartphone may be used when it is properly secured in a holder designed for that purpose. The driver must nevertheless remain attentive and should minimise interaction with the device while driving.

Yes. The exception applies when the vehicle is legally stopped or parked, not simply because it is temporarily motionless in normal traffic. Drivers should therefore not handle a smartphone while waiting in a traffic queue or at traffic controls unless the legal conditions for being stopped or parked are met.

Yes. GPS navigation may be used while driving, but a mobile navigation device or smartphone with a screen must be properly secured in a holder designed for that purpose when the rules for mobile electronic devices apply.

No. A driver may not hold or manipulate a smartphone while driving. When a smartphone is used for navigation, it must be secured in an appropriate holder.

Using the screen of a device that is correctly secured in an appropriate holder is not specifically prohibited by the mobile-device rule, but it is strongly discouraged because looking at or operating the screen can distract the driver. Destinations and major route changes should preferably be entered before driving or while safely stopped.

Belgian technical regulations distinguish between a service braking system for normal braking, an emergency braking system that can stop the vehicle if part of the normal system fails, and a parking braking system that keeps the vehicle stationary.

For vehicles covered by the applicable technical requirements, the service braking system must operate on all axles and its braking action must be appropriately distributed between the axles and symmetrically between the wheels of the same axle.

Yes. Braking systems are part of vehicle roadworthiness requirements and can be checked during technical inspection. Defective or insufficient braking performance can therefore result in a defect being recorded.

The handbrake or parking brake is used to keep a parked vehicle securely stationary. It must be capable of holding the vehicle on both an uphill and downhill gradient, even when the driver is no longer in the vehicle.

No. The legal requirement concerns the parking-brake function rather than a traditional hand lever. A vehicle may therefore use another approved system, such as an electronic parking brake.

For vehicles covered by the applicable technical requirements, the parking brake must be capable of holding the loaded vehicle stationary on an uphill or downhill gradient of 18%.

Yes. The braking system is checked during technical inspection, and problems with the brake fluid can be treated as defects. The fluid should therefore be at the correct level and in suitable condition.

An insufficient brake-fluid level can indicate a problem with the braking system and should not be ignored. The cause should be investigated and repaired rather than simply repeatedly adding fluid.

Yes. Drivers should know how to locate the brake-fluid reservoir or the vehicle's electronic brake-fluid level indication. During the Belgian category B practical driving examination, candidates may be asked to identify where the brake-fluid level is checked.

For cars, the principal tread grooves must be at least 1.6 mm deep. The principal grooves are the broad grooves in the central part of the tread covering approximately three quarters of its width.

Yes. Tyres are checked as part of the vehicle's wheels, tyres and suspension inspection. Checks include tread wear, damage and whether the tyres meet the applicable technical requirements.

During technical inspection, tyres on the same axle must have the same dimensions and the same construction type, such as radial or diagonal. Using matching tyres on the same axle is also recommended for predictable handling.

Important markings include the tyre size, construction type, load index and speed rating. These characteristics must be suitable for the vehicle and its approved technical specifications.

Yes. Tyre characteristics are part of the technical inspection. Depending on the applicable requirements, inspectors can check characteristics such as tyre size, construction, load capacity, approval marking and speed category.

Yes. During technical inspection, tyres on the same axle must have compatible specifications. In particular, their dimensions and construction type must match according to the applicable inspection requirements.

No. Belgium does not currently impose a general requirement for passenger cars to use winter tyres during the winter months. Drivers may nevertheless choose them for improved performance in cold, snowy or icy conditions.

The normal legal minimum tread depth for passenger-car tyres also applies to winter tyres: the principal tread grooves must be at least 1.6 mm deep. For effective winter performance, replacing tyres before they reach the legal minimum may be advisable.

Yes. Several countries bordering or near Belgium impose winter-tyre requirements under certain conditions or during specified periods. Drivers should therefore check the rules for every country they intend to enter before travelling.

Belgian federal mobility guidance recommends checking tyre pressure at least once a month because tyres naturally lose air over time.

Use the pressure prescribed by the vehicle manufacturer. The correct pressure can differ between vehicles and may also vary according to tyre size, axle and vehicle load.

Correct tyre pressure supports safe and predictable vehicle behaviour and helps limit unnecessary tyre wear and fuel consumption. An underinflated or otherwise incorrectly inflated tyre should be adjusted to the manufacturer's specified pressure.

No general Belgian rule requires passenger cars to carry or use snow chains. They are optional equipment intended for appropriate winter conditions.

Snow chains may only be used when there is snow or ice. They should therefore be removed when road conditions no longer justify their use.

It may be necessary. Several European countries have their own winter-equipment rules, and snow chains can be compulsory on particular roads or in certain weather conditions. Drivers should check the requirements for every country on their route.

The current Belgian rules for bicycle equipment do not specify a general numerical minimum tread depth for ordinary bicycle tyres. Cyclists should nevertheless replace tyres that are excessively worn or damaged because their condition directly affects grip and safety.

Yes. A bicycle can satisfy the side-reflector requirement by having a continuous white retro-reflective strip on each side of both the front and rear tyre. Alternatively, suitable yellow or orange reflectors can be fitted to the spokes.

Yes. Tyre dimensions form part of the definitions used for certain bicycle categories. For example, a racing bicycle can have tyres with a cross-section of no more than 25 mm, while specified mountain-bike categories use wider minimum tyre sections.

Yes. Belgian vehicle rules recognise certain vehicles equipped with continuous tracks. Agricultural and forestry tractors, for example, can be constructed with wheels or tracks.

It can when the vehicle satisfies the applicable registration, approval, technical and road-use requirements. The exact conditions depend on the vehicle type, its use and its technical characteristics.

No. Category G depends on the vehicle being an agricultural or forestry tractor used for agricultural or forestry activities. When the same vehicle is used for another activity, the appropriate driving-licence category is determined according to the vehicle's characteristics rather than simply because it has tracks.

Belgian regulations generally distinguish the vehicle's actual laden mass from its maximum authorised mass. The maximum authorised mass is commonly abbreviated as MTM in Dutch and MMA in French.

No. Gross Vehicle Weight refers to what the vehicle actually weighs when loaded at a particular moment. MTM is the maximum authorised mass that the vehicle is permitted to have when loaded.

The maximum authorised mass is used to determine which driving-licence category is required. For example, category B normally covers passenger vehicles with an MTM of no more than 3500 kg, subject to the applicable passenger and trailer rules.

The closest commonly used Belgian term is maximum authorised mass, abbreviated MTM in Dutch and MMA in French. It represents the maximum total mass at which the vehicle is authorised to operate.

No. MTM is a fixed maximum permitted mass. The vehicle's actual laden mass changes according to its passengers, cargo and other load and must remain within the applicable maximum.

It is used for matters such as vehicle classification and determining the required driving-licence category. For example, an ordinary category B licence generally covers a passenger vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 3500 kg.

Cargo must be positioned and secured so that it cannot endanger the driver, passengers or other road users, fall or drag on the road, affect vehicle stability or obstruct the driver's visibility.

No. Cargo must not make the vehicle's lights, reflectors or registration number invisible.

Yes. Equipment used to secure or cover cargo, such as straps, chains, nets or tarpaulins, must be in good condition, used correctly and fitted closely enough to secure the load effectively.

Vehicle structural condition forms part of roadworthiness inspection. In Flanders, the chassis is specifically included among the components examined during the technical inspection.

Yes. Structural damage, dangerous looseness or defects affecting the safe attachment of vehicle components can result in a defect being recorded. Cosmetic damage that does not affect safety is different from damage affecting the vehicle's structure or secure assembly.

No. Many modern passenger cars have a self-supporting body in which the body structure itself carries much of the vehicle's load. Other vehicles can have a separate chassis with the body mounted on it.

Yes. The trunk is the normal place for carrying luggage and other cargo, provided the load is arranged safely and the vehicle's permitted weight limits are respected.

Cargo must be arranged so that under normal road conditions it cannot create danger, fall from the vehicle, affect vehicle stability or interfere with the driver's visibility. Heavy or movable items should therefore be positioned and secured appropriately.

No. A vehicle's load must not make its lights, reflectors or registration number invisible. Projecting loads must also comply with the applicable rules concerning dimensions and marking.

Yes. A roof rack may be used provided it is suitable for the vehicle, securely fitted and the load complies with the applicable rules concerning securing, weight and vehicle dimensions.

The total height of a loaded vehicle may generally not exceed 4 metres. Objects carried on a roof rack or in a roof box count towards this overall loaded height.

The load must be secured so that it cannot fall, drag, endanger other road users, affect vehicle stability or obstruct required lights or the registration number. Drivers must also respect the vehicle and roof rack manufacturer's permitted load limits.

Yes. The windscreen is checked for damage, deterioration and anything that significantly obstructs the driver's view.

Yes. Certain cracks, deformation or discoloration can result in a negative inspection result, particularly when the damage lies within the area cleaned by the windscreen wipers or significantly affects visibility.

No object may significantly obstruct the driver's view forward or to the side. Legally required windscreen stickers are not treated as prohibited visibility obstructions simply because they are attached to the glass.

No. An emergency hammer is not part of the standard compulsory safety equipment required for an ordinary passenger car. Specific requirements do apply to certain vehicles equipped with breakable emergency windows.

Where an emergency window is designed to be opened by breaking the glass, an emergency hammer may be installed inside the vehicle immediately next to that emergency window. The window must be made from material that can be broken appropriately for this purpose.

Yes. If the emergency exit from the living area of a motorhome can only be opened by breaking the glass, an emergency hammer must be fixed to the wall immediately beside that exit.

Yes. The battery and electrical system form part of vehicle roadworthiness. A battery that is insecure, improperly attached, leaking or presents a risk of short circuit can constitute a technical defect.

No. The required battery depends on the vehicle's electrical system and equipment. Vehicles with start-stop systems commonly require batteries specifically designed for frequent charging and starting cycles, such as EFB or AGM types.

Yes. The replacement battery should meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements for characteristics such as voltage, capacity, starting performance, dimensions and battery technology.