Desprendimiento de rocasFlandes

Traffic sign A19 warns drivers of falling rocks.

A19 is a triangular warning sign showing rocks falling from a steep slope.

No. It warns that falling rocks are a foreseeable danger in the road section ahead.

Yes. Drivers should watch both the slope and the carriageway because material from an earlier rockfall may remain on the road.

No. A19 is a warning sign. The applicable regional, zonal, posted and vehicle-specific speed limits remain in force.

Yes, when necessary. Belgian drivers must adapt their speed to the road layout, visibility, weather, road condition and foreseeable obstructions.

Yes. Drivers must always remain able to stop before an obstruction that can reasonably be foreseen.

In Brussels and Flanders, warning signs are normally placed approximately 150 metres before the dangerous location. A supplementary panel indicates another approximate distance where necessary.

Yes. A supplementary panel may indicate the length of the hazardous road section.

No. Drivers must continue to obey traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary priority rules.

No automatic overtaking prohibition is created by A19. Overtaking is permitted only when visibility, road width, markings and conditions allow it to be completed safely.

A19 does not create an automatic stopping or parking prohibition. Drivers may nevertheless not stop or park where doing so creates danger or unnecessarily obstructs traffic.

No, when this exposes the vehicle to danger. Choose a safer authorised location away from loose rocks, unstable slopes and fallen material.

Reduce speed, increase your following distance and scan the carriageway, verge and slope. Be prepared for vehicles ahead to brake or change position suddenly.

Slow down without sudden steering. Pass only when there is sufficient clear space and no cyclist, pedestrian, approaching vehicle or other obstacle would be endangered.

Stop at a safe distance and do not enter the opposing lane unless the road is clearly visible and the movement can be made legally and safely. Report the obstruction when necessary.

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

Yes, when the movement involves a lateral displacement. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal in time and give way where required.

Yes. Cyclists and permitted moped riders may leave a bike path to travel around an obstruction. They must check traffic and make the movement safely.

Reduce speed considerably and avoid sudden braking or steering. Loose or sharp stones can cause loss of balance, punctures or wheel damage.

No, when doing so would expose you to traffic or further rockfall. Stop safely and contact the police, road authority or emergency services instead.

Do not enter the affected section. Stop before the danger where possible, activate the hazard warning lights when appropriate and follow any temporary closure or instructions from authorised personnel.

Keep the vehicle under control and stop at a safe location. Activate the hazard warning lights and check for damage only when you can do so without standing in traffic or beneath an unstable slope.

Yes. Report rocks that obstruct traffic or create an immediate danger to the police, emergency services or responsible road authority.

Belgium’s new Code of the Public Road retains traffic sign A19 but expands its official meaning to falling rocks or the presence of stones.

The new wording makes clear that the principal danger drivers encounter may be stones already lying on the road, not only rocks falling at that moment.