IceWallonia
Traffic rules
Wallonia
1. Ice
Ice can make a road extremely slippery and significantly reduce tyre grip, steering control and braking performance. Ice may be difficult to see, especially when it forms a thin transparent layer known as black ice. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and accelerate, steer and brake smoothly. Extra caution is needed on bridges, shaded roads and other places where ice may remain even when surrounding roads appear clear.
Do you have to reduce your speed on icy roads in Belgium?
Yes. Belgian traffic rules require drivers to adapt their speed to the road, weather and visibility conditions. The posted speed limit may therefore be too fast when the road is icy.
Are studded tyres allowed in Belgium?
Belgium’s general prohibition has a seasonal exception from 1 November to 31 March under the studded-tyre order. Use is subject to vehicle, tyre-fitting, speed and rear-sign conditions. For an ordinary car, check all those conditions before fitting studded tyres; they are not unrestricted winter equipment.
🔗 wegcode.be • Vias/Wegcode, studded-tyre Order of 28 September 1976
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Vlaamse Codex, Road Code, applicable article versions through 31 May 2027
What should you do if you encounter black ice in Belgium?
Reduce your speed and avoid sudden acceleration, steering or braking. Belgian rules require drivers to adapt their driving to the condition of the road, including slippery conditions caused by ice.
