TunnelBelgique
Règles de circulation
Belgique
1. Tunnel
Un tunnel est un passage couvert qui fait passer une route à travers ou sous un obstacle tel qu’une colline, une montagne, un bâtiment, un cours d’eau ou une autre voie de transport. Les tunnels routiers peuvent comporter une ou plusieurs voies et accueillir une circulation à sens unique ou dans les deux sens.
La conduite dans un tunnel exige une attention particulière car la visibilité, les possibilités d’évacuation et l’espace disponible pour éviter les dangers sont limités. Les conducteurs doivent respecter les règles applicables en matière d’éclairage, de vitesse, de voies et de distance de sécurité et prêter attention aux issues de secours, aux signaux lumineux et aux panneaux à messages variables.
Which sign indicates a tunnel in Belgium?
The Belgian F8 sign indicates a tunnel with a length of more than 500 metres.
Is the length of a Belgian tunnel shown on the sign?
Yes. A supplementary panel with the F8 sign indicates the length of the tunnel and may also indicate its name.
Does the Belgian F8 sign itself impose a speed limit?
No. F8 identifies the tunnel. Drivers must follow the speed limit applying to the road and any additional or variable speed-limit signs displayed before or inside the tunnel.
Does F8 itself require dipped headlights?
No separate lighting rule is created simply by the F8 sign. Drivers must comply with the general Belgian lighting rules and any additional signs requiring dipped headlights. Vehicle lights must also be used whenever visibility falls below the threshold prescribed by the Road Code.
May you stop or park on the roadway in a Belgian tunnel?
No. Stopping and parking on the roadway in tunnels are prohibited, except when the vehicle is forced to stop by traffic conditions or another unavoidable situation.
What should you do if congestion forces you to stop in a Belgian tunnel?
Remain attentive, keep appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead and use the hazard warning lights when necessary to warn following traffic of an immediate danger. Follow all lane-control signals and instructions.
What does the Belgian F52 sign mean?
The F52 sign indicates an emergency exit in a tunnel.
What does the Belgian F52bis sign mean?
The F52bis sign indicates the direction of the nearest emergency exit and shows the distance to that exit in metres.
Can Belgian tunnels contain emergency telephones and fire extinguishers?
Yes. Tunnel safety equipment may be identified by official signs including those for an emergency telephone, aid station or fire extinguisher.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a Belgian tunnel?
Move the vehicle out of the traffic lanes where this can be done safely, activate the hazard warning lights and follow the tunnel's emergency instructions. Use the available emergency facilities or contact the emergency services when necessary.
Can you reverse or make a U-turn in a Belgian motorway tunnel?
No. When the tunnel forms part of a motorway, the ordinary motorway rules continue to apply, including the prohibition on reversing, making a U-turn and driving against the direction of traffic.
Can dangerous-goods vehicles face restrictions in Belgian tunnels?
Yes. Belgian tunnels may be assigned dangerous-goods tunnel categories and access restrictions can be indicated for vehicles transporting dangerous substances.
Will Belgian tunnel rules change in 2027?
Yes in some respects. From 1 June 2027, the new Code of the Public Road introduces additional tunnel-related provisions, including extending the retro-reflective safety-vest requirement to drivers who leave a broken-down vehicle in a tunnel at a place where stopping or parking is prohibited.
