PlaceBruxelles
Règles de circulation
Bruxelles
76. Place
Une place est un espace public ouvert où se rejoignent une ou plusieurs routes, rues ou voies piétonnes. Les places sont courantes dans les villes et villages et peuvent offrir de l’espace pour la circulation, les piétons, le stationnement, les transports publics, les marchés ou d’autres activités publiques.
L’organisation de la circulation sur une place peut varier fortement. Elle peut comporter des chaussées, zones piétonnes, aménagements cyclables, places de stationnement ou zones à accès restreint ; les usagers doivent donc respecter les panneaux, marquages, règles de priorité et règlements locaux applicables.
What is legally considered a square in Belgium?
A Belgian square, or plein, is an open space where one public road enters or several public roads meet and where the layout allows traffic and other activities to be organised together.
Is a Belgian square itself a public road?
Yes. The Road Code expressly states that a square is a public road distinct from the roads that lead into it.
Is a square the same as an intersection in Belgium?
No. An intersection is the place where two or more public roads meet, while a square is legally a separate public road with an open spatial character.
Do the roads entering a Belgian square remain separate roads?
Yes. The square has its own legal identity as a public road and is distinct from the public roads that enter or meet it.
Can cars drive across a Belgian square?
Yes, where the traffic arrangement allows it. Traffic signs, road markings, pedestrian-zone rules or other restrictions may nevertheless limit or prohibit motor-vehicle access.
Can a Belgian square be part of a pedestrian zone?
Yes. A square may be included within a pedestrian zone. In that case the special pedestrian-zone access, speed and priority rules apply.
Can cyclists use a square inside a pedestrian zone?
Only when the pedestrian-zone signs permit them. Where cycling is authorised, cyclists must travel at walking speed, give priority to pedestrians and stop if necessary.
Can parking be allowed on a Belgian square?
Yes, where specifically permitted. Drivers must respect the parking spaces, signs, markings and any zonal parking rules applying within the square.
Does being on a square give any road user automatic priority?
No. The fact that a road user is travelling across a square does not itself create priority. Traffic lights, signs, markings and the applicable Belgian priority rules determine who must give way.
Is there a special Belgian speed limit for every square?
No. The applicable speed depends on the traffic signs and the zone in which the square is located, such as a Zone 30, pedestrian zone, woonerf or other regulated area.
Can a Belgian square contain tram tracks?
Yes. Squares can contain tram tracks and other public-transport infrastructure. Road users must respect the special priority rules applying to rail vehicles.
Can a Belgian square be temporarily closed to traffic?
Yes. Authorities may temporarily restrict or close traffic because of markets, public events, roadworks, emergencies or other traffic-management needs.
Will Belgium change the legal definition of a square in 2027?
Yes, the wording will be simplified. From 1 June 2027, the new Code defines a square as an open space where one or more public roads lead into it and states that the square is a public road distinct from those roads.
