Warning signsWallonia

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Warning signs

A warning sign is a traffic sign that alerts drivers to a potential danger or change in road conditions ahead, giving them enough time to slow down and react safely. These signs warn about hazards such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, merging traffic, animals on the road, or upcoming intersections. Their purpose is not to forbid or command anything, but simply to prepare drivers for situations that require extra attention.

Cyclists and speed pedelecs may proceed on red or amber.

Warning for a double curve, first left then right.

Warning for a double curve, first right then left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the right.

Warning for a road with two-way traffic.

Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.

Warning for loose chippings on the road surface.

Warning of poor visibility due to rain, fog or snow.

Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with one track.

Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

Signal routier B5 • Marquer l’arrêt et céder la priorité.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

Signal routier B1 • Céder la priorité.

3. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

Signal routier B17 • Carrefour où la priorité de droite est applicable.

4. Cyclists and speed pedelecs may proceed on red or amber

This traffic sign permits cyclists and speed pedelecs to pass a red or amber traffic light in the direction indicated by the arrow. They must give way to other road users as required and proceed only when it is safe.

Signal routier B22 • Autorisation pour les cyclistes et les conducteurs de speedpedelecs de franchir les signaux lumineux mentionnés aux articles 57 et 60 et de continuer dans la ou les directions indiquées par la ou les flèches lorsque ces signaux lumineux l’interdisent, à condition de céder la priorité aux autres usagers circulant sur la voie publique (exemple).

5. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

Signal routier B15 • Priorité au prochain carrefour.

6. Warning for a curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

Signal routier A1a • Virage dangereux à gauche.

7. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

Signal routier A1b • Virage dangereux à droite.

8. Warning for a double curve, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

Signal routier A1c • Double virage ou succession de plus de deux virages, le premier à gauche.

9. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

Signal routier A1d • Double virage ou succession de plus de deux virages, le premier à droite.

10. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

Signal routier A7a • Rétrécissement de la chaussée.

11. Warning for a road narrowing on the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

Signal routier A7b • Rétrécissement de la chaussée.

12. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

Signal routier A7c • Rétrécissement de la chaussée.

13. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

Signal routier A39 • Circulation admise dans les deux sens après une section de chaussée à sens unique.

14. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. It's a general warning sign used when there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own dedicated warning sign. For example: road accidents, flooded roads and roads blocked by fallen trees. It usually has a supplementary sign attached that tells drivers of what hazard to expect.

Signal routier A51 • Danger non défini par un symbole spécial. Un panneau additionnel indique la nature du danger.

15. Warning for a speed bump

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed bump. A raised traffic-calming feature lies ahead. Reduce speed before reaching it to maintain vehicle control and avoid damage or discomfort.

Signal routier A14 • Dispositif surélevé.

16. Warning for a bad road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Signal routier A13 • Revêtement irrégulier ou en mauvais état.

17. Warning for a steep ascent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.

Signal routier A5 • Montée dangereuse. Le pourcentage indique l’inclinaison de la pente.

18. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

Signal routier A3 • Descente dangereuse. Le pourcentage indique l’inclinaison de la pente.

19. Warning for a movable bridge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a movable bridge. The bridge ahead can open, lift or move to allow water traffic to pass. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop when required by barriers, traffic lights or other signals.

Signal routier A9 • Pont mobile.

20. Warning for a quayside or riverbank

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a quayside or riverbank. The road approaches or runs close to an edge beside water, where a vehicle could leave the roadway and enter the water. Reduce speed, identify the road edge carefully and take extra care in darkness or poor visibility.

Signal routier A11 • Débouché sur un quai ou une berge.

21. Warning for retractable bollards

This traffic sign indicates a warning for retractable bollards. They may rise from the road surface ahead. Reduce speed, obey any traffic lights or instructions and do not continue until the bollards are fully lowered and it is safe to pass.

Signal routier A53 • Bornes rétractables.

22. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

Signal routier A33 • Signaux lumineux de circulation.

23. Warning for falling rocks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.

Signal routier A19 • Chutes de pierres ou présence de pierres.

24. Warning for roadworks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.

Signal routier A31 • Travaux.

25. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

Signal routier A17 • Projection de gravillons.

26. Warning for ruts

This traffic sign indicates a warning for ruts. Deep wheel tracks or grooves may be present in the road surface and can affect steering and tyre grip. Reduce speed, avoid sudden steering or braking and take extra care when water collects in the ruts.

Signal routier A52 • Ornières.

27. Warning for a soft verge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a soft or unstable verge. The edge of the road may provide less grip or support than the roadway and can affect steering or vehicle stability. Avoid driving onto the verge unless necessary and reduce speed if you must use it.

Signal routier A8 • Accotement non stabilisé.

28. Warning for accidents

This traffic sign indicates a warning for accidents. It warns drivers of an accident hazard or an accident affecting the road ahead. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared for stopped traffic, emergency services or an obstruction.

Signal routier A34 • Accident.

29. Warning for traffic queues

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic queues. Slow-moving or stationary traffic may occur ahead, sometimes unexpectedly. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.

Signal routier A32 • File.

30. Warning for a slippery road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

Signal routier A15 • Chaussée glissante.

31. Warning of poor visibility due to rain, fog or snow

This traffic sign indicates a warning for poor visibility. Fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke or another condition may significantly reduce how far you can see. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use the vehicle lighting required by the local rules and conditions.

Signal routier A18 • Brouillard.

32. Warning for snow and sleet

This traffic sign indicates a warning for snow or sleet. Snow, sleet or ice may reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances and impair visibility. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use any winter equipment required by the applicable rules or road conditions.

Signal routier A16 • Verglas ou neige.

33. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

Signal routier A37 • Vent latéral.

34. Warning for low-flying aircraft

This traffic sign indicates a warning for low-flying aircraft. Aircraft may pass over the road at low altitude and can create sudden noise or visual distraction. Keep your attention on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.

Signal routier A35 • Survol d’avions à basse altitude.

35. Warning for cattle on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cattle. Cattle or other livestock may be crossing, walking along or standing near the road. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid sudden movements or unnecessary use of the horn that could startle the animals.

Signal routier A27 • Traversée d’animaux. Le symbole indique l’espèce animale visée.

36. Warning for crossing deer

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

Signal routier A27 • Traversée d’animaux. Le symbole indique l’espèce animale visée.

37. Warning for children

This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.

Signal routier A23 • Endroit spécialement fréquenté par des enfants.

38. Warning for a pedestrian crossing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a pedestrian crossing. A designated pedestrian crossing lies ahead. Reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for pedestrians and be prepared to give way or stop according to the applicable local priority rules.

Signal routier A21 • Passage pour piétons.

39. Warning for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cyclists. Cyclists may be riding along or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for cyclists and maintain the passing distance required by the applicable local rules.

Signal routier A25 • Traversée pour cyclistes et conducteurs de cyclomoteurs à deux roues, ou endroit où ces conducteurs débouchent sur la chaussée.

40. Warning for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for equestrians. Horse riders may be on or near the road ahead. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or sudden movements that could startle a horse.

Signal routier A24 • Endroit spécialement fréquenté par des cavaliers.

41. Warning for trams

This traffic sign indicates a warning for trams. Tram tracks cross or run along the road ahead, and trams may enter the traffic path. Reduce speed, watch carefully for approaching trams and follow the applicable traffic signals, priority signs and local rules.

Signal routier A49 • Croisement de la voie publique par une ou plusieurs voies ferrées établies sur la chaussée.

42. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

Signal routier A43 • Passage à niveau sans barrières.

43. Warning for a railway crossing with barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing with gates or barriers that close when a train approaches. Drivers should be ready to stop when the barriers are down or flashing lights activate. Never attempt to cross when gates are closing or closed.

Signal routier A41 • Passage à niveau avec barrières.

44. Warning for a railway crossing with one track

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with one track. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where a single railway track crosses the road. Drivers should approach with caution and be prepared to stop, even if no barriers or warning lights are active.

Signal routier A45 • Passage à niveau à voie unique.

45. Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks. It alerts drivers to a level crossing where more than one railway track crosses the road. More than one train may pass in succession or from different directions, so drivers should check carefully before crossing and never proceed until all tracks are clear.

Signal routier A47 • Passage à niveau à deux ou plusieurs voies.