Traffic signsWallonia
Traffic rules
Wallonia
101. Tow hitch
A tow hitch, also called a trailer hitch or towing coupling, is a device fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be securely connected to it. Passenger cars commonly use a tow ball, while heavier vehicles may use other types of mechanical coupling.
The tow hitch and towing vehicle must be suitable for the trailer and the loads involved. Drivers must respect the vehicle's approved towing capacity, the coupling limits, trailer mass and any applicable driving-licence, braking and safety requirements.
Wikimedia.org • Tony Webster • CC BY
What is a tow hitch in Belgium?
A tow hitch, legally referred to as a coupling device, is equipment fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be mechanically connected to it.
🔗 wegcode.be • Royal Decree of 15 March 1968 — articles 1, 34, 43 §2 and 54 as applicable
Can you tow any trailer once a tow hitch is fitted?
No. The trailer must remain within the towing limits approved for the vehicle and the maximum permitted load of the coupling itself.
🔗 wegcode.be • Royal Decree of 15 March 1968 — articles 1, 34, 43 §2 and 54 as applicable
Does a Belgian trailer need a safety cable or chain?
A trailer without a breakaway brake must normally have an auxiliary coupling in addition to the main coupling. This may consist of one or two cables or chains and must be capable of keeping the trailer connected if the main coupling fails.
🔗 wegcode.be • Royal Decree of 15 March 1968 — articles 1, 34, 43 §2 and 54 as applicable
102. Fire truck
A fire truck is an emergency vehicle used by the fire and rescue services to transport firefighters, firefighting equipment, rescue equipment or water to fires, collisions and other emergencies. Different types of fire trucks may be designed for firefighting, rescue operations, aerial access or other specialised tasks.
During an emergency response, a fire truck may use warning lights and a siren and may receive priority or exemptions from certain traffic rules. Other road users must follow the local rules for emergency vehicles, make sufficient space and avoid obstructing their passage.
Wikimedia.org • Alf van Beem • CC0
Is a fire truck a priority vehicle in Belgium?
Yes, when it meets the requirements for a priority vehicle. Belgian law expressly recognises fire-service vehicles among the vehicles whose drivers receive special exemptions while carrying out an urgent mission.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles37–38 and59.13 — urgent fire-service vehicles
What should you do when a Belgian fire truck approaches with its siren?
You must immediately clear the way and give priority. You must stop if necessary so that the fire truck can pass safely.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles37–38 and59.13 — urgent fire-service vehicles
Can a Belgian fire truck exceed the speed limit?
Yes, when the urgent mission justifies it. Priority vehicles carrying out an urgent mission can be exempted from ordinary speed restrictions and posted C43 speed limits under the conditions provided by Belgian law.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — Articles37–38 and59.13 — urgent fire-service vehicles
103. Siren
A siren is a loud warning device used to attract attention and warn people that an emergency or priority vehicle is approaching. Sirens are commonly fitted to vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles and may produce alternating or changing tones so they can be recognised quickly.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with its siren operating, road users should remain alert, identify where the vehicle is coming from and safely make room for it to pass. The exact priority rules and permitted use of sirens vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • David R. Tribble • CC BY-SA
When may an emergency vehicle use its siren in Belgium?
A priority vehicle may use its special audible warning device only when carrying out an urgent mission.
Is an emergency siren the same as an ordinary vehicle horn in Belgium?
No. The special audible warning device of a priority vehicle is subject to specific emergency-vehicle rules. Ordinary sound signals must be kept as short as possible and are generally permitted only when necessary to prevent an accident or, outside built-up areas, to warn a driver who is about to be overtaken.
104. Convoy
A convoy is a group of vehicles travelling together as an organised group, usually following the same route and destination. Convoys may consist of ordinary vehicles, military vehicles, exceptional transports or vehicles participating in an organised journey.
Drivers travelling in a convoy should maintain a safe distance, follow the applicable traffic rules and avoid obstructing other traffic. Being part of a convoy does not automatically give vehicles special priority unless specific laws, escorts or traffic-control measures apply.
Wikimedia.org • The U.S. Army • CC0
What distance must cars in a convoy keep in Belgium?
Outside built-up areas, cars travelling in convoy for a journey made together must keep a distance of at least 50 metres between vehicles.
Can you drive through a military convoy in Belgium?
No. Road users may not break through a military column consisting of marching troops or a vehicle convoy whose movement is controlled by authorised personnel or authorised military personnel.
105. Emergency vehicle lighting
Emergency vehicle lighting consists of special flashing or rotating lights used on authorised emergency or priority vehicles to make them highly visible and warn other road users. Police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines and other authorised response vehicles commonly use distinctive warning lights when responding to incidents.
The colour, meaning and permitted use of emergency lights vary between countries. When emergency lighting is active, road users should remain alert, identify the approaching vehicle and follow the local rules for giving way or creating a clear passage.
Wikimedia.org • BFV Radkersburg • CC BY-SA
Which warning lights do priority vehicles use in Belgium?
Belgian priority vehicles are equipped with one or more blue flashing lights together with a special audible warning device.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — relevant current provisions and sign catalogue
Do blue flashing lights alone require you to give way in Belgium?
The specific obligation to immediately clear the way and give priority applies when the approaching priority vehicle uses its special audible warning device. When blue lights are visible without the siren, road users should remain alert and avoid obstructing the vehicle.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Road Code — relevant current provisions and sign catalogue
106. Agricultural machinery
Agricultural machinery includes vehicles, machines and equipment designed for farming and agricultural work, such as cultivating soil, planting, harvesting, mowing, transporting crops or operating agricultural implements. Examples include tractors, combine harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, mowing machines and other specialised equipment.
Agricultural machinery may be designed mainly for use on fields but may also need to travel on public roads. When using public roads, the applicable registration, driving-licence, lighting, dimensions, speed and road-access rules depend on the type and legal classification of the machine.
Wikimedia.org • Bob Nichols • CC0
What is agricultural machinery in Belgium?
Belgian agricultural machinery can include land and forestry vehicles, agricultural tractors, self-propelled agricultural machines, agricultural trailers and other equipment designed or registered for agricultural work.
Which driving licence applies to agricultural machinery in Belgium?
Category G is the Belgian national driving-licence category specifically intended for land and forestry vehicles and their trailers and for certain vehicles registered as agricultural equipment, motor ploughs or mowing machines.
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — category G agricultural-use scope
How old must you be to obtain a Belgian category G licence?
The national minimum age to obtain category G is 16. In Flanders, the theory examination can be taken from 15 years and 9 months, with the practical examination from 16. Training and examination procedures are regional, so check the competent regional authority when booking.
Are category G drivers under 18 subject to a mass restriction?
Yes. Until the age of 18, code 205 is placed on the licence and limits the driver to a vehicle combination consisting of a tractor and trailer with a maximum authorised mass of no more than 20 tonnes.
Is there one maximum speed for all Belgian agricultural machinery?
No. The applicable maximum speed depends on the vehicle's construction, mass, tyres, suspension, road and traffic signs. The vehicle's own construction speed may also impose a lower limit than the general road limit.
107. Electric bicycle
An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider while travelling. Most electric bicycles use pedal assistance, meaning that the motor provides additional power while the rider pedals.
The legal classification of an electric bicycle depends on factors such as the motor power, maximum assistance speed and whether the motor can propel the bicycle without pedalling. Faster or more powerful electric bicycles may be classified as mopeds or another type of motor vehicle and can therefore be subject to different licence, helmet, registration and insurance requirements.
Wikimedia.org • Singlespeedfahrer • CC0
What is an ordinary electric bicycle in Belgium?
An ordinary Belgian electric bicycle has an auxiliary electric motor with a maximum continuous rated power of no more than 250 W. The motor provides pedal assistance and stops assisting when the bicycle reaches 25 km/h or earlier when the rider stops pedalling.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is there a minimum age for an ordinary electric bicycle in Belgium?
No specific minimum age applies merely because an ordinary bicycle has compliant electric pedal assistance. It follows the ordinary bicycle rules.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is a helmet compulsory on an ordinary electric bicycle in Belgium?
No. There is currently no general helmet requirement for riders of ordinary electric bicycles, although wearing a suitable bicycle helmet is recommended.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Must an ordinary electric bicycle use the cycle path?
Yes, under the same conditions as an ordinary bicycle. An available and usable compulsory cycle path must generally be used where the Belgian cyclist rules require it.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Does a motorised cycle follow normal cyclist rules?
Yes. Riders of motorised cycles are treated like the corresponding ordinary cycle users for road-position and traffic rules. This does not remove the motorised-cycle conditions: the rider must be at least 16 and the vehicle requires its certificate of conformity. A motorised cycle up to 1000 W is a different category from an ordinary 250 W assisted bicycle.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
108. Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle, or EV, is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion and stores electrical energy in a rechargeable battery or another electrical energy-storage system. A fully electric vehicle uses only electrical energy for propulsion, while a plug-in hybrid combines an electric drivetrain with another power source such as a combustion engine.
Electric vehicles can be recharged from an external electricity supply using a suitable charging point or charging station. Their driving-licence, registration, insurance, parking and road-access rules depend on the vehicle category and local regulations rather than simply on the fact that they use electric power.
Wikimedia.org • Mariordo • CC BY-SA
What is an electric vehicle in Belgium?
An electric vehicle uses an electric drivetrain for propulsion. A fully electric vehicle relies entirely on electric propulsion, while a plug-in hybrid combines electric propulsion with another power source such as a combustion engine.
Do electric cars follow different traffic rules in Belgium?
No. An electric passenger car follows the ordinary Belgian rules for cars concerning speed, priority, lane use, parking and road access unless a specific rule provides otherwise.
Which driving licence do you need for an electric car in Belgium?
An ordinary electric passenger car normally requires a category B driving licence when its maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3500 kg and it is designed for no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
109. Pedelec
A pedelec, short for pedal electric cycle, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance while the rider pedals. The motor supplements the rider's effort rather than replacing pedalling entirely.
The maximum motor power and assistance speed permitted for a pedelec depend on local law. When the bicycle remains within the applicable limits, it is normally treated as a bicycle rather than a moped or motorcycle. Faster electrically assisted bicycles are commonly classified separately as speed pedelecs.
Wikimedia.org • holding graz • CC BY
What is a pedelec in Belgium?
An ordinary Belgian pedelec is an electrically assisted bicycle with a maximum continuous rated motor power of no more than 250 W and pedal assistance ending by 25 km/h.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Is there a minimum age for riding an ordinary pedelec in Belgium?
No specific minimum age applies. An ordinary pedelec follows the same rules as a conventional bicycle.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Does a Belgian pedelec require compulsory motor insurance?
No. Compulsory motor-vehicle liability insurance does not apply to an ordinary pedelec whose motor only provides compliant pedal assistance.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
Must a pedelec use Belgian cycle paths?
Yes, under the same conditions as an ordinary bicycle. When an applicable and usable compulsory cycle path is provided, the rider must normally use it.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
What is the difference between a pedelec and a Belgian motorised cycle?
An ordinary pedelec is limited to 250 W and 25 km/h and has pedal assistance only. A motorised cycle may have up to 1000 W, remains limited to 25 km/h and requires a certificate of conformity.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.13–2.15.3, 7ter, 8.2, 9.1.2, 36 and 44.4
🔗 vlaanderen.be • Flemish Government — assisted-cycle categories and conformity requirements
110. Quadricycle
A quadricycle is a motor vehicle with four wheels that belongs to a vehicle category below or separate from an ordinary passenger car. Quadricycles may be designed for passenger transport, goods transport or recreational use and can be powered by a combustion engine or electric motor.
Traffic law commonly distinguishes between light quadricycles, which have relatively low power and maximum design speed, and heavier or more powerful quadricycles. Driving-licence, helmet, registration, insurance and road-access requirements depend on the vehicle's legal classification and the local traffic regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Ahunt • CC0
What is a light quadricycle in Belgium?
A Belgian light quadricycle is a four-wheeled motor vehicle belonging to the light L6e category and having a maximum design speed of no more than 45 km/h.
How heavy may a Belgian light quadricycle be?
Under the current Road Code, a four-wheeled moped may have a maximum unladen mass of 425 kg. For an electric vehicle, the battery mass is excluded from this figure.
How many people can a Belgian light quadricycle carry?
A three- or four-wheeled moped may have no more than two seats in total, including the driver's seat.
How old must you be to drive a light quadricycle in Belgium?
You must normally be at least 16 years old to drive a light quadricycle. The driver must be at least 18 years old to carry a passenger under the applicable moped rules.
Must you wear a helmet in an open quadricycle in Belgium?
Yes, where the vehicle has no passenger compartment. Drivers and passengers of motorised three- and four-wheelers and mopeds without a passenger compartment must wear an approved protective helmet, subject to the specific legal exceptions.
111. Microcar
A microcar is a very small motor vehicle designed mainly for short-distance and urban travel. It usually has an enclosed passenger compartment, four wheels and seating for one or two people, although designs and legal classifications vary.
Many microcars are legally classified as light quadricycles rather than ordinary passenger cars. More powerful or faster models may fall into a heavier quadricycle or passenger-car category. The applicable driving licence, minimum age, registration, insurance, maximum speed and road access therefore depend on the vehicle's official legal classification.
Wikimedia.org • Patrik Tschudin • CC BY
What is a microcar in Belgium?
Microcar is not a separate Belgian legal vehicle category. Most low-speed microcars are legally classified as light quadricycles, while more powerful models can be classified as motor quadricycles.
What is a Belgian light microcar?
A typical light microcar is a four-wheeled light quadricycle with a maximum design speed of no more than 45 km/h.
How heavy may a Belgian light quadricycle be?
Under the Belgian Road Code, a four-wheeled moped has a maximum unladen mass of 425 kg, excluding batteries for an electric vehicle. This is the national Road Code wording; do not interchange unladen mass, mass in running order and maximum authorised mass when reading the vehicle documents.
How old must you be to drive a light microcar in Belgium?
You must normally be at least 16 years old to obtain and use category AM.
How old must a microcar driver be to carry a passenger?
A category-AM driver must normally be at least 18 years old before carrying a passenger.
112. All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motor vehicle designed to travel over rough or uneven surfaces as well as, in some cases, ordinary roads. ATVs commonly have four wheels, wide tyres and a compact body and are used for recreation, agriculture, forestry or other off-road activities.
Whether an ATV may be used on public roads depends on its vehicle classification, registration, equipment and local traffic laws. Some ATVs are approved for road use, while others are intended exclusively for off-road use.
Wikimedia.org • ATVist • CC BY
How are road-going ATVs classified in Belgium?
Classification depends on the vehicle’s technical approval. Belgian motorcycle technical regulations list L6e-A light road quads and L7e-A heavy road quads, alongside other quadricycle categories such as L7e-B all-terrain quads. Check the category on the vehicle’s approval and registration documents; an ATV label alone does not establish it.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian motorcycle/quad technical regulations, categoriesL6e andL7e
Which licence is required for a heavier quad in Belgium?
A road-going motor quadricycle that does not fall within the light category generally requires a category B driving licence.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Driving Licence Decree2–4 and20 — categories and exemptions
113. Van
A van is a motor vehicle with an enclosed body that is commonly used to transport goods, equipment or passengers. Vans range from small delivery vehicles to larger commercial vehicles and may be fitted with cargo space, passenger seats or a combination of both.
Because vans vary considerably in size, weight and purpose, different driving-licence, speed, parking or road-access rules may apply depending on how the vehicle is classified in each country.
Wikimedia.org • Jordy Schaap • CC BY-SA
How is a van defined in Belgium?
Belgian technical regulations define a bestelwagen as a truck with a cab integrated into the vehicle body. Vans intended primarily for carrying goods normally belong to one of the N vehicle categories.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Driving Licence Decree2–4 and20 — categories and exemptions
Do heavier vans require a different driving licence in Belgium?
Yes. When a van exceeds the normal category-B weight limit, a C1 or C licence may be required, subject to specific exemptions or special rules that may apply to certain vehicles.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Driving Licence Decree2–4 and20 — categories and exemptions
114. Recreational vehicle
A recreational vehicle (RV) is a vehicle designed or adapted for travel, recreation and temporary living accommodation. The term can include motorhomes, campervans and, in broader usage, towable caravans or camping trailers.
Recreational vehicles may contain sleeping, seating, cooking, storage and sanitary facilities. Their legal classification, driving-licence requirements, parking rules and permitted dimensions or weights vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • High Contrast • CC BY
How are recreational vehicles treated in Belgium?
Belgian rules recognise vehicles such as motorhomes or campervans as specific vehicle types. The applicable registration, technical and driving-licence requirements depend on the particular vehicle and its maximum authorised mass.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Driving Licence Decree2–4 and20 — categories and exemptions
Which licence is needed for a heavier motorhome in Belgium?
A motorhome exceeding 3500 kg generally requires a C1 or C licence, depending on its maximum authorised mass and the applicable licence conditions.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgian current Driving Licence Decree2–4 and20 — categories and exemptions
115. Scooter
A scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle typically characterised by a step-through frame, a platform or footrests for the rider and relatively small wheels. Scooters may use petrol or electric propulsion and can range from low-speed mopeds to more powerful vehicles legally classified as motorcycles.
The traffic rules applying to a scooter depend mainly on its maximum speed, power, engine capacity and legal vehicle category. Helmet, driving-licence, registration and road-position requirements therefore vary between countries and between different types of scooter.
Wikimedia.org • Øyvind Holmstad • CC BY-SA
How is a scooter classified in Belgium?
Scooter is not a separate legal vehicle category. Depending on its technical characteristics, a scooter may be classified as a class A moped, class B moped or motorcycle.
Where should a moped scooter ride in Belgium?
A two-wheeled class A moped must generally use a usable mandatory cycle path. For a class B moped, use of the cycle path depends on the applicable speed limit and signs: where the limit is 50 km/h or less it may generally use certain cycle paths, while on roads with a higher limit it must generally use them when they are present and usable.
116. Trikke
A Trikke is a three-wheeled standing personal-mobility vehicle with one front wheel and two rear wheels. The rider stands on platforms between the wheels and steers with handlebars. Depending on the model, propulsion may come from the rider's body movement or from an electric motor.
Trikke vehicles use a distinctive leaning or cambering frame that allows the rider to turn and manoeuvre by shifting body weight. The traffic rules that apply depend on whether the vehicle is motorised and on its technical characteristics.
Wikimedia.org • FaceMePLS • CC BY
How is a non-motorised Trikke treated in Belgium?
A human-powered Trikke that falls within the definition of a non-motorised personal mobility device is treated as a pedestrian when travelling no faster than walking pace and as a cyclist when travelling faster than walking pace.
Do all Trikke models have the same legal status in Belgium?
No. The classification depends on the particular vehicle's propulsion and technical characteristics. A faster or differently constructed motorised Trikke may fall into another vehicle category and therefore be subject to different rules.
117. Personal mobility device
A personal mobility device, also called a personal transporter, is a compact device designed to transport one person over relatively short distances. Examples can include kick scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices and mobility devices.
Personal transporters may be powered by the user's own effort or by an electric motor. Their legal classification, maximum speed, minimum riding age and permitted place on the road vary between countries, so users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Maurizio Pesce • CC BY
What is a personal transporter in Belgium?
Belgian law uses the term voortbewegingstoestel for a category that includes both non-motorised and motorised personal mobility devices.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
What are examples of Belgian motorised personal transporters?
Examples include electric scooters, electric skateboards, monowheels, self-balancing electric devices, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
What is the maximum design speed of a Belgian motorised personal transporter?
A motorised personal transporter must have a construction-determined maximum speed of no more than 25 km/h.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
How are electric-scooter riders treated under Belgian traffic rules?
Users of motorised personal transporters are treated as cyclists. They therefore follow the traffic rules applying to cyclists unless a specific rule provides otherwise.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
Must an electric scooter use the cycle path in Belgium?
Yes, where the corresponding cyclist rules require use of an available and usable cycle path. Because users of motorised personal transporters are treated as cyclists, they generally follow the same road-position rules.
🔗 codex.vlaanderen.be • Belgian Road Code — articles 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
🔗 wegcode.be • Road Code of 1 December 1975 — 2.15.2, 7bis, 8.2 and 9.1.2
118. Skateboard
A skateboard is a small board mounted on wheels that is ridden by standing on the deck and moving by pushing against the ground or using gravity. Skateboards are commonly used for recreation, sport and short-distance personal transport.
Skateboard users should maintain control, watch carefully for pedestrians and traffic and adapt their speed to the surrounding environment. Where skateboards may be used and which traffic rules apply vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • David Martín • CC BY-SA
How is a skateboard classified in Belgium?
A skateboard is considered a non-motorised personal mobility device under Belgian traffic rules.
What rules apply when a skateboard user travels faster than walking pace in Belgium?
When travelling faster than walking pace, the skateboard user is treated as a cyclist and must follow the traffic rules applying to cyclists.
119. Segway
A Segway is a self-balancing electric personal transporter that allows a standing rider to move by shifting their body position while the vehicle's electronic balancing system maintains stability. The classic Segway Personal Transporter has two wheels and is controlled using a handlebar or steering mechanism.
Segways are used for personal transport, tourism, security and other short-distance travel. Their legal status and where they may be ridden depend on national traffic rules governing personal mobility devices.
Wikimedia.org • Chris Brown • CC BY
How is a Segway classified in Belgium?
A Segway that meets the applicable technical conditions, including a maximum design speed of no more than 25 km/h, is considered a motorised personal mobility device.
What is the minimum age for riding a Segway in Belgium?
The general minimum age for using a motorised personal mobility device on a public road is 16 years. Exceptions apply in locations such as residential areas, reserved roads, certain pedestrian zones and play streets.
120. Kick scooter
A kick scooter is a personal mobility device with a narrow platform, two or more wheels and a handlebar. A non-motorised kick scooter is propelled by pushing against the ground with one foot, while an electric kick scooter uses an electric motor for propulsion.
Kick scooters are commonly used for recreation and short-distance travel. Where they may be ridden and which traffic rules apply depend on whether the scooter is motorised and on its legal classification.
Wikimedia.org • Alex Genz • CC BY-SA
How is a non-motorised kick scooter treated in Belgium?
A normal kick scooter is a non-motorised personal mobility device. When the user travels no faster than walking pace, they are treated as a pedestrian; when travelling faster than walking pace, they are treated as a cyclist.
What is the minimum age for using an electric kick scooter in Belgium?
The general minimum age for using a motorised personal mobility device on a public road is 16 years. Exceptions apply in residential areas, on certain reserved roads, in qualifying pedestrian zones and play streets, as well as for certain mobility devices used by people with reduced mobility.
121. Roller skates
Roller skates are footwear fitted with wheels that allow a person to move by skating over a smooth surface. Traditional roller skates usually have four wheels arranged in two pairs, while inline skates have their wheels arranged in a single line.
Roller skaters should maintain control, adapt their speed to the surroundings and watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and uneven surfaces. Where roller skating is permitted and which traffic rules apply vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • gt8073a • CC BY
How are roller skates classified in Belgium?
Roller skates are considered a non-motorised personal mobility device under Belgian traffic rules.
What rules apply when a roller skater travels faster than walking pace in Belgium?
When travelling faster than walking pace, the roller skater is treated as a cyclist and must follow the traffic rules applying to cyclists, including the applicable rules concerning road position and cycle facilities.
122. Mailman
A mailman, or postal worker, is a person who collects, transports or delivers letters, parcels and other postal items. Postal workers may travel on foot or use bicycles, vans, motorcycles or other vehicles while completing their delivery routes.
When working near roads, postal workers must follow the traffic rules that apply to pedestrians, cyclists or drivers according to how they are travelling. Other road users should take care where postal workers may frequently stop, cross the road or enter and leave vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Partij van de Arbeid • CC BY
Do postal workers have special traffic priority in Belgium?
No general special priority is granted simply because someone is a postal worker. They must follow the traffic rules applicable to them as pedestrians, cyclists or drivers.
Can Belgian road signs indicate a post office?
Yes. The Belgian F34a direction sign may guide road users toward public or general-interest facilities, including a post office.
123. Hitchhiker
A hitchhiker is a person who waits beside a road or at another suitable location and asks passing drivers for a free ride toward their destination. Hitchhiking is a form of informal transport and is permitted, restricted or prohibited in different locations depending on national and local traffic rules.
Hitchhikers should wait in a safe and legally permitted place away from moving traffic and should not stand where they obstruct traffic or encourage vehicles to stop in a dangerous location.
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Is a hitchhiker considered a pedestrian in Belgium?
Yes. A person hitchhiking on foot is subject to the normal Belgian rules for pedestrians and does not receive a special traffic status simply because they are seeking a ride.
Where should a hitchhiker wait in Belgium?
A hitchhiker should use a safe place intended or permitted for pedestrians, such as a pavement or suitable verge, and should not unnecessarily stand on the carriageway or choose a location where a stopping vehicle would create a danger or obstruction.
124. Toddler
A toddler is a young child who has progressed beyond infancy but still requires close supervision and special protection around roads and vehicles. Toddlers may travel as passengers in cars, public transport, bicycles or other vehicles subject to the safety requirements that apply in each country.
When travelling by car, toddlers should use an appropriate child restraint system suited to their size. Adults should also supervise them carefully near roads, parking areas and moving vehicles.
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Must a toddler use a child seat in Belgium?
Yes. Children under 18 who are shorter than 135 cm must generally be transported in a suitable child restraint system.
Can a rear-facing toddler seat be used in the front of a car in Belgium?
Yes, but only when the frontal airbag is deactivated or automatically deactivates correctly. A rear-facing child restraint must not be used in front of an active frontal airbag.
125. Child
A child is a young person who requires particular care and protection in road traffic because of their smaller size, limited experience and developing ability to recognise traffic hazards. Children may participate in traffic as pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in vehicles.
Drivers should take extra care when children are present or may reasonably be expected, particularly near schools, playgrounds, residential areas and pedestrian crossings.
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Must children use a child restraint in Belgium?
Yes. Children under 18 who are shorter than 135 cm must generally be transported in an appropriate child restraint system.
Can young children cycle on the pavement in Belgium?
Yes. Cyclists younger than 10 years old may use pavements and raised verges in all circumstances.