EspejoValonia
Normas de tráfico
Valonia
143. Espejo
Un espejo es un dispositivo instalado en un vehículo que permite al conductor observar el tráfico detrás y a los lados sin apartar la vista de la carretera durante demasiado tiempo. Los vehículos suelen utilizar un espejo interior y uno o más exteriores.
Ayudan a controlar el entorno antes de cambiar de dirección, cambiar de carril, adelantar, incorporarse o reducir la velocidad. Como no muestran todas las zonas, también deben comprobarse los ángulos muertos mediante observación directa cuando sea necesario.
How must you adjust your mirrors in Belgium?
The driver must adjust the rear-view mirrors so that, from the normal driving position, they can observe traffic behind and to the left and in particular detect a vehicle that has started overtaking on the left.
Should you adjust your mirrors before starting to drive?
Yes. The mirrors should be correctly positioned for the driver's seating position before driving so that the required view of surrounding traffic is available.
Do Belgian cars need rear-view mirrors?
Yes. Cars must be equipped with the rear-view mirrors or approved indirect-vision equipment required by the applicable Belgian and European vehicle-approval rules.
Does an ordinary Belgian passenger car have an interior mirror?
Passenger vehicles are normally equipped with an interior rear-view mirror together with exterior rear-view mirrors according to their applicable technical approval requirements. Where rearward vision through the vehicle is impossible, approved exterior or indirect-vision arrangements provide the necessary view.
Can you drive with a broken mirror in Belgium?
A vehicle must continue to satisfy the applicable technical and visibility requirements. A required mirror that is missing, insecure or incapable of providing the necessary rearward view should therefore be repaired or replaced.
Do mirrors replace checking the blind spot?
No. Mirrors should be used together with direct observation where necessary. Before changing lane or moving sideways, the driver must make sure that the manoeuvre can be performed without endangering other road users.
Should you check your mirrors before overtaking in Belgium?
Yes. Before moving left to overtake, you must ensure that another driver behind has not already begun overtaking you and that the manoeuvre can be performed safely.
Should you check your mirrors before changing lane?
Yes. A lane change is a manoeuvre and must not endanger other road users. Check the mirrors and any relevant blind spot before moving into another lane.
Should you check for cyclists before opening a car door?
Yes. Before opening a door, use the mirrors and direct observation to check for cyclists, moped riders, motorcyclists and other road users approaching alongside the vehicle.
Do motorcycles need rear-view mirrors in Belgium?
Yes. Belgian technical regulations require motorcycles to be equipped with approved rear-view mirrors according to the vehicle's type and approval requirements.
How must a motorcyclist's mirrors be positioned in Belgium?
As with other drivers, the mirrors must be adjusted so the rider can observe traffic behind and to the left, including another vehicle that has begun overtaking.
Can extra mirrors be fitted when towing a caravan in Belgium?
Yes. Special removable rear-view mirrors may be fitted to the towing vehicle in addition to its normal approved mirrors when towing a caravan-type trailer, allowing the driver to maintain an adequate view behind the combination.
