Miroir routierBruxelles
Règles de circulation
Bruxelles
47. Miroir routier
Un miroir routier est un miroir convexe installé près d’un carrefour, d’une sortie, d’un virage ou d’un autre endroit offrant une visibilité limitée. Sa surface courbe offre une vue plus large des usagers approchant qu’un miroir plat ordinaire.
Un miroir routier n’est qu’une aide à la visibilité. Il peut déformer la distance, la vitesse et la direction et être affecté par l’obscurité, la météo, la saleté ou les dommages. Les conducteurs doivent continuer à observer directement la route, respecter toutes les règles de priorité et ne s’engager que lorsque cela est sûr.
Is a traffic mirror an official Belgian traffic sign?
No. A traffic mirror is roadside equipment and does not have its own numbered sign or regulatory meaning in the Belgian Highway Code.
Does Belgium’s new road code introduce a traffic-mirror sign?
No dedicated traffic-mirror sign is included. Traffic mirrors remain visibility equipment rather than regulatory traffic signs.
Does a Belgian traffic mirror change priority?
No. Drivers must continue to follow B1, B5, traffic lights, priority from the right and every other applicable priority rule.
Must you stop at B5 even when a mirror is provided?
Yes. Sign B5 requires a complete stop. The mirror may be consulted only as an additional aid after the mandatory stop.
Must you give way after using the mirror?
Yes. A driver subject to B1 or B5 may proceed only when this can be done without danger to road users who have priority.
Does an empty mirror guarantee that the Belgian road is clear?
No. A cyclist, pedestrian, moped, motorcycle or vehicle may be outside the reflected area or hidden by distortion, weather or glare.
May you enter an intersection based only on the mirror?
No. Drivers must exercise extra caution when entering an intersection and should check the road directly as far as the road layout permits.
Does the mirror establish a recommended speed?
No. The applicable speed limit remains in force, but drivers must adapt their speed to the restricted visibility and remain able to stop safely.
Who decides whether a mirror may be installed beside a Belgian public road?
The road authority responsible for that road decides whether the installation is authorised and appropriate.
Is the municipality always the responsible authority?
No. Responsibility may lie with the municipality or the relevant regional road authority, depending on who manages the road.
Can a person freely install a mirror on private property?
A person may install a mirror within their own private property, subject to property and local planning rules, provided it does not obstruct or endanger public-road users.
What if the mirror must be attached to a wall beside the public road?
Prior permission from the responsible road authority is required when the installation occupies or affects the public road or its roadside equipment.
May a private mirror be placed on the opposite side of the public road?
Not without authorisation. Placement on or across the public road requires approval from its managing authority.
Are Belgian traffic mirrors recommended at every poorly visible intersection?
No. Walloon technical guidance treats their installation as exceptional and recommends first considering more reliable measures that improve direct visibility.
Which alternatives should be considered first?
Possible measures include trimming vegetation, removing or relocating visual obstructions, changing parking arrangements, adapting traffic directions or redesigning the intersection.
Under which conditions may Wallonia allow a mirror at an intersection?
Walloon guidance allows it only in restricted circumstances, including a branch controlled by B5, severely limited visibility, no better available solution and a short distance between the stop line and the mirror.
How far may the mirror be from the stop line under Walloon guidance?
The recommended distance between the stop line and the mirror is less than 15 metres.
How high should a Walloon roadside mirror be installed?
The guidance specifies a free height of at least 2.20 metres beneath the mirror so it does not obstruct pedestrians.
Must pedestrian space remain available?
Yes. The installation may not hinder pedestrian movement. Walloon guidance generally refers to approximately 1.50 metres of unobstructed passage, depending on the location and pedestrian use.
What colours are recommended around a Walloon traffic mirror?
The mirror is provided with a clearly visible frame using alternating red and white bands so it can be distinguished from the background.
May vehicles park beside the mirror?
Parking near the mirror should be avoided where a parked vehicle could block its reflected view, particularly when the vehicle is high.
Must a Belgian traffic mirror be maintained?
Yes. It should be cleaned, inspected and correctly aligned. A shifted, damaged or obscured mirror can provide misleading information.
Who maintains a mirror installed for a private access?
Where a public-road mirror is exceptionally authorised for a private access, the applicant may be responsible for the installation and maintenance under the authority’s conditions.
Why is distance difficult to estimate in the mirror?
The convex surface makes vehicles appear smaller and farther away. Drivers should assume that approaching traffic may be closer and faster than it appears.
Why can a mirror be misleading at night?
Headlights reflected in the mirror may make a vehicle appear to approach from another direction or make its speed and distance difficult to assess.
What if rain, dew or frost covers the mirror?
Treat it as unavailable. Stop or give way as required and proceed only after obtaining enough direct visibility to enter safely.
What if the mirror appears incorrectly aimed?
Do not rely on the image. Report the problem to the municipality, regional road authority or other responsible manager.
Do authorised-person instructions override what you see in the mirror?
Yes. Drivers must immediately follow lawful instructions from police or another authorised person, regardless of the reflected traffic image.
Will the basic driver responsibility change on 1 June 2027?
No. Drivers will continue to be responsible for adapting their behaviour to visibility, road conditions and other road users and for obeying the applicable priority rules.
