Panneaux de signalisationBruxelles

A Belgian breath analysis is performed with an approved device that measures the exact concentration of alcohol in the exhaled alveolar air.

For ordinary drivers, a breath analysis is performed when the preliminary breath test indicates at least 0.22 mg/l. For drivers subject to the stricter professional limit, the threshold is 0.09 mg/l. Police may also require a breath analysis without first performing a breath test.

An ordinary driver is punishable when the breath analysis measures at least 0.22 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled alveolar air, corresponding to approximately 0.5‰ in the blood.

Yes. A person who has undergone a breath analysis may request an immediate second analysis. If the difference between the results exceeds the permitted accuracy margin, a third analysis is carried out.

If the difference remains within the permitted accuracy limits, the lowest valid result is used. If the difference exceeds those limits, the breath analysis is treated as not having been performed.

Yes. When the valid breath-analysis result is at least 0.35 mg/l, the person can request a blood test as a counter-analysis under the applicable procedure.

A positive result can lead to a temporary driving prohibition and financial or judicial penalties. Since 1 July 2026, a qualifying positive alcohol result normally triggers an immediate driving prohibition of 12 hours before a new test is required.

Refusing a legally required breath analysis is itself punishable and can also result in an immediate temporary driving prohibition.

For most drivers, the legal threshold is 0.5‰ alcohol in the blood. A driver is punishable from this concentration, corresponding to 0.22 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled alveolar air.

A blood alcohol concentration of 0.5‰ means 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood.

No. The standard 0.5‰ BAC limit also applies to young and inexperienced drivers in Belgium.

Yes. Applicable professional drivers are punishable from 0.2‰ alcohol in the blood, corresponding to 0.09 mg/l in exhaled alveolar air. The stricter limit also applies when driving certain heavy vehicle categories outside professional activities.

Police normally use breath testing and breath analysis. A blood test can be used in circumstances provided by law, including certain cases where breath analysis cannot be performed or as a counter-analysis.

Yes. When a breath analysis measures at least 0.35 mg/l, the person must be informed of the right to request a blood test as a counter-analysis.

No. Alcohol can affect driving before the legal limit is reached. The safest approach is not to drink alcohol when you plan to drive.

A blood test can be ordered when a breath test reaches the applicable alcohol threshold but a breath analysis cannot be performed, or when neither a breath test nor breath analysis can be carried out and there are clear signs of alcohol consumption or intoxication.

The blood sample is taken by a doctor requested for that purpose and is then analysed to determine the alcohol concentration in the blood.

Yes. If neither a breath test nor a breath analysis can be performed on a person who may have caused or contributed to an accident, a blood sample can be required, including when it is impossible to determine whether signs of alcohol consumption are present.

Yes. If the valid breath-analysis result is at least 0.35 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled breath, the person can request a blood test as a counter-analysis.

For most drivers, an alcohol concentration of at least 0.5 g/l of blood (0.5‰) is punishable. Applicable professional drivers are subject to the lower threshold of 0.2 g/l (0.2‰).

Refusing a legally required blood test without a valid reason can itself be punishable in the circumstances specified by Belgian traffic law.

The costs of taking and analysing the blood sample can be charged to the person tested when the relevant alcohol offence is established under the conditions provided by law.

A Belgian saliva test is a roadside screening test used to detect recent use of specified drugs that can impair driving ability.

The police normally use a standardised checklist for signs of recent drug use. If the checklist indicates recent use of one of the specified substances, a saliva test is carried out. A positive drug-detection screening can also lead to a saliva test.

The current legal thresholds apply to THC, amphetamine, MDMA, morphine or 6-acetylmorphine, and cocaine or benzoylecgonine.

The current screening thresholds are 25 ng/ml for THC, 50 ng/ml for amphetamine, 50 ng/ml for MDMA, 10 ng/ml for morphine or 6-acetylmorphine and 20 ng/ml for cocaine or benzoylecgonine. Results below these levels are not taken into account for the saliva test.

A positive saliva test normally leads to a saliva analysis to confirm the presence of the specified substance. If a saliva analysis cannot be performed, a blood test may be used under the conditions provided by law.

A positive saliva test results in an immediate 12-hour driving prohibition. Before driving again, a new saliva test is required. If that test is still positive, the prohibition is renewed for another 12 hours.

Refusing a legally required saliva test without a valid reason is punishable and results in an immediate 12-hour driving prohibition. The prohibition can be renewed if the required follow-up test is also refused.

A practical inability to provide enough saliva is not treated as a refusal. Other procedures, including a blood test where legally applicable, may then be used.

Yes. Belgian law prohibits driving when specified drugs are present at or above the legal concentration thresholds established for saliva or blood analysis.

The current system covers THC, amphetamine, MDMA, morphine or 6-acetylmorphine, and cocaine or benzoylecgonine. These substances are detected using saliva testing and confirmed by saliva or blood analysis.

Police normally use a standardised checklist for signs of recent drug use, followed by a saliva test when indicated. After a positive saliva test, a laboratory saliva analysis is normally used to confirm the offence.

A positive saliva test results in an immediate 12-hour prohibition on driving. Before driving again, a new saliva test is required. If it remains positive, the prohibition is renewed for another 12 hours.

Yes. Refusing a legally required saliva test or saliva analysis without a valid reason is punishable and also results in an immediate 12-hour driving prohibition.

Yes. A blood analysis can be used in circumstances provided by law, including when a required saliva test or saliva analysis cannot be performed.

Belgium adopted legislation in 2026 to add ketamine to the drug-driving framework. The legal framework has been prepared, but roadside enforcement depends on the availability of approved saliva tests capable of detecting ketamine.

Yes. Drug-driving offences can lead to fines, immediate driving restrictions, court proceedings and disqualification from driving, depending on the circumstances and any previous offences.

Yes. Belgian driving-fitness standards recognise that certain medicines can increase the risk of an accident. A driver must remain medically fit and capable of driving safely.

Read the patient information leaflet, particularly the section on driving and using machines. The Belgian medicines authority also recommends asking your doctor or pharmacist when you are unsure.

Yes. A medicine does not have to require a prescription to affect driving. Some antihistamines, cough medicines and other commonly used medicines can reduce alertness or reaction ability.

Medicines that may affect driving include certain sleeping tablets, sedatives, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-epileptic medicines and some cough medicines. The effect depends on the medicine and the individual.

Do not drive if side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired vision or reduced concentration prevent you from driving safely. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice when necessary.

Yes. When medication or a medical condition may increase the risk of an accident, a medical driving-fitness assessment may be required. The driver is responsible for ensuring that they continue to meet the applicable fitness standards.

The Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products provides an official medicines database and patient information leaflets containing information on safe use, side effects and possible restrictions on driving.

Belgian traffic offences can lead to immediate collections, settlements, orders to pay, court fines and disqualification from driving. The applicable sanction depends on the offence and how the case is handled.

Many Belgian traffic offences are divided into four degrees. First-degree offences are the least serious, while fourth-degree offences are considered the most serious.

Since 1 July 2026, the standard immediate collections are €64 for a first-degree offence, €128 for a second-degree offence and €191 for a third-degree offence. The amount for a fourth-degree offence is €520, but Belgian residents are normally summoned to court instead of receiving an immediate collection for a fourth-degree offence.

Yes. A court can impose a disqualification from driving for between eight days and five years for certain offences. It is possible for second- and third-degree offences and mandatory for fourth-degree offences.

Yes. For certain serious offences committed within two years after obtaining a category B driving licence, novice drivers are subject to stricter rules. A driving ban may be mandatory and regaining the right to drive can require passing a new theory or practical examination.

Yes. Repeat offences can result in heavier sanctions, including longer driving bans, higher fines or additional measures depending on the type of offence and previous convictions.

No. Speeding has its own penalty system. The amount depends on how far the speed limit was exceeded and whether the offence occurred in areas such as a built-up area, zone 30, residential area or encounter zone.

Yes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is subject to separate sanction systems, which can include immediate driving prohibitions, fines, court proceedings, driving bans and measures such as an alcohol interlock.

For an immediate collection, the first 10 km/h above the speed limit costs €58. Above the first 10 km/h, the amount increases for every additional kilometre per hour.

In a built-up area, zone 30, school environment, residential area or encounter zone, the fine increases by €12 for every additional km/h above the first 10 km/h. On other roads, it increases by €7 per additional km/h.

For Belgian residents, an immediate collection is generally no longer possible when the speed limit is exceeded by more than 30 km/h in a built-up area, zone 30, school environment, residential area or encounter zone, or by more than 40 km/h on other roads. The case is normally referred to court.

Yes. A court can impose a driving ban of between 8 days and 5 years for serious speeding. For the highest speeding category, a driving ban is mandatory.

Yes. If a driver has held a category B licence for less than two years, a driving ban is mandatory for certain serious speeding offences, and regaining the right to drive can require passing a theory or practical examination again.

In Flanders, certain limited speeding offences on roads with a 30 or 50 km/h speed limit can be handled through municipal administrative sanctions when the legal conditions are met.

No. Drivers must still adapt their speed to traffic, visibility, weather and road conditions. A lower speed may therefore be required even when the posted limit is higher.

Belgium does not generally prohibit an adult from smoking while driving alone, but the driver must still remain in control of the vehicle and drive safely. Separate smoking restrictions apply when minors are present.

No. Since 14 May 2020, it is prohibited to smoke in a vehicle when at least one person under 18 is present.

Yes. The prohibition includes electronic cigarettes and vaping when a minor under 18 is present in the vehicle.

No. The ban applies to fully or partially enclosed vehicles whether the windows are open or closed.

The prohibition does not apply when the vehicle's roof is completely folded or retracted. If the vehicle remains fully or partly enclosed, the ban applies when a minor is present.

No. Belgium also prohibits smoking in vehicles used for professional passenger transport.

Yes. Belgium uses different types of traffic enforcement cameras, including speed cameras, red-light cameras, section-control systems and cameras for certain other traffic offences.

Fixed speed cameras measure vehicle speed at a specific location and record speeding offences. In Flanders, they are generally installed at locations where speed enforcement can improve road safety.

In Flanders, red-light cameras detect both vehicles passing a red traffic light and speeding offences. They are mainly installed at intersections and other locations where automated enforcement can improve safety.

Yes. A fixed speed camera measures speed at one location, while section control uses number-plate recognition to calculate the average speed over a longer road section.

Yes. Camera systems can also be used for offences such as insufficient following distance, prohibited overtaking, improper use of the hard shoulder and certain restrictions involving heavy vehicles, depending on the installation and legal framework.

Yes. ANPR cameras automatically recognise number plates and are used in systems such as section control. Number-plate recognition can also support other authorised police and enforcement purposes.

No. Cameras are also used to monitor traffic, detect incidents and manage the road network. A roadside camera does not automatically mean that traffic violations are being recorded.

Everyone involved in an accident must take the necessary measures to ensure safety and keep traffic moving where possible. The driver must also correctly signal a vehicle that creates a danger or obstruction.

If an accident causes only material damage, vehicles that obstruct traffic should normally be moved when this can be done safely. The current Road Code does not require a vehicle to be moved when the accident caused bodily injury.

Yes. People involved in an accident must generally remain at the scene to make the necessary findings or allow the police to do so. Leaving in order to avoid those responsibilities can constitute hit-and-run.

You must provide assistance to injured people when necessary and remain at the scene so the police can make the required findings. Temporarily leaving to obtain help is permitted under the conditions provided by law.

If the police cannot be contacted within a reasonable time after an accident involving bodily injury, those involved must report the accident within 24 hours to the nearest police office or the police office of their home or residence.

Under the current rules, the warning triangle is placed at least 100 metres behind the vehicle on a motorway and 30 metres on other roads, where possible, so approaching drivers can see it in time.

The driver must wear a retro-reflective safety vest when leaving a broken-down or crashed vehicle on a motorway or road for motor vehicles in the situations covered by the current rules. Wearing it is also advisable in other dangerous roadside situations.

People involved who are over 15 must show their identity card or equivalent document to the other involved parties when requested. If a person who suffered damage is absent, the involved person must provide their name and address as soon as possible.

A person involved in an accident that caused bodily injury must, when necessary, provide assistance to the injured and remain at the scene so that the required findings can be made.

Call 112 when urgent medical assistance is needed. Tell the operator where the accident happened, what happened and how many people are injured or in danger.

Under the current Road Code, a vehicle does not have to be moved when the accident caused bodily injury. The people involved must nevertheless take the necessary measures to protect safety and traffic.

Yes. A person does not violate the obligation to remain at the scene when they temporarily leave in order to help an injured person or contact an authorised person, provided the applicable identification requirements are respected.

Under the current rules, if no authorised person can be reached within a reasonable time, those involved must report the accident within 24 hours to the nearest police office or the police office of their home or residence.

Yes. From 1 June 2027, people involved in an accident with injured persons must, within their abilities and without putting themselves in danger, help the injured and protect them when they cannot be moved. The new rules also require the police to be informed immediately and the people involved to remain at the scene unless the police indicate they will not attend.

If the nosebleed interferes with safe driving, stop at a safe and permitted place. Belgian traffic rules require every driver to remain physically fit, able to perform the necessary manoeuvres and continuously in control of the vehicle.

Only if you remain fully capable of driving safely. If the bleeding causes distraction, impaired visibility, dizziness or loss of concentration, you should stop until the problem has been controlled.

Belgian Red Cross first-aid guidance includes nosebleeds among common situations requiring first aid. The standard approach is to sit upright, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously until the bleeding stops.

Call 112 when there is severe or uncontrolled bleeding, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness or another serious emergency. After a significant traffic accident or head injury, professional medical assessment may also be necessary.

No. There is no separate traffic rule for nosebleeds. The general rule applies: a driver must have the necessary physical fitness and remain capable of controlling the vehicle safely.

Everyone involved must take the necessary measures to ensure safety and keep traffic moving. People over 15 must show their identity document to another involved person who asks for it and remain long enough to make the necessary findings.

Not necessarily. If nobody is injured and the parties agree on the circumstances, they can normally complete an accident report themselves. If there is disagreement or another problem, involving the police is advisable.

Yes, when necessary and safe to do so. Those involved must protect safety and traffic flow, so vehicles that unnecessarily obstruct traffic should be moved when possible.

The people involved must, as far as possible, leave their name and address at the scene and in all cases provide that information as soon as possible, directly or through the police.

Yes. For an accident involving material damage, the European Accident Statement is the standard way to record the vehicles, drivers, circumstances and damage and helps insurers process the claim.

The claim should be reported as soon as possible and normally within eight days. If that deadline cannot reasonably be met, reporting should still be made as soon as reasonably possible.

Only if it remains safe and complies with the applicable technical requirements. Damage affecting lights, tyres, steering, brakes, visibility or other essential equipment may make continued driving unsafe or unlawful.

If possible, move the vehicle off the carriageway or to a place where stopping and parking are permitted. Warn other road users and arrange assistance when the vehicle cannot continue safely.

If the vehicle cannot be moved or can only be left where stopping or parking is prohibited, it must be signalled with the warning triangle. Under the current rules, the triangle is placed at least 100 metres away on a motorway and at least 30 metres away on other roads, where possible.

Yes. When a vehicle breaks down on a motorway or road for motor vehicles at a place where stopping or parking is prohibited, the driver must wear a retro-reflective safety vest when leaving the vehicle.

Move as far to the right as possible, switch on the hazard warning lights, leave the vehicle carefully and move yourself and passengers away from traffic, preferably behind the safety barrier. Place the warning triangle where required and contact roadside assistance or the emergency services when necessary.

No. A vehicle may not be towed on a motorway or road for motor vehicles using an emergency coupling such as a rope, even for a short distance to the next exit.

Under specific conditions, authorised roadside-assistance and towing vehicles may use the hard shoulder during heavily congested traffic to reach an incident, while using the required orange-yellow flashing lights.

Yes, slightly. From 1 June 2027, hazard warning lights should be used when possible when a vehicle cannot be moved or must remain where stopping or parking is prohibited. The warning-triangle distances become approximately 100 metres on specified divided roads and 30 metres elsewhere, with more flexibility where placing the triangle at that distance would be unsafe. The reflective-vest requirement is also extended to tunnels.

Yes. Applicable motor vehicles must carry a warning triangle so that a stopped or broken-down vehicle can be signalled when required.

Under the current rules, the triangle must be used when a vehicle or trailer cannot be moved or can only be left where stopping or parking is prohibited. It must also be used in certain cases when the vehicle’s lighting or signalling equipment is defective and the vehicle cannot be clearly seen from about 100 metres away.

Under the current rules, it must be placed at least 100 metres away on motorways and 30 metres away on other roads, where possible, and positioned so approaching drivers can see it in time.

Yes. In a built-up area, when the normal 30-metre distance cannot be respected, the triangle may be placed closer and, if necessary, even on the vehicle.

Under the current rules, hazard warning lights may be used in addition to the triangle. Under the new Code of the Public Road, effective 1 June 2027, using all direction indicators simultaneously becomes the primary warning method when possible.

Slightly. From 1 June 2027, the triangle should be placed approximately 100 metres away on divided roads with at least two lanes in each direction and approximately 30 metres away on other roads. These are no longer strict minimum distances, and the triangle may be placed closer when necessary for safety.

Under the current rules, the driver of a broken-down vehicle must wear a retro-reflective safety vest when leaving the vehicle on a motorway or road for motor vehicles in the specified circumstances. The new Code expands this requirement to tunnels as well.

Until 1 June 2027, Belgium mainly uses the Road Code established by the Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, together with other applicable federal and regional traffic regulations.

The current Belgian Road Code regulates traffic on public roads and the use of those roads by pedestrians, vehicles and certain animals.

Many core traffic rules are currently federal, but the regions already have powers over subjects such as speed limits, technical inspection, road management and certain enforcement matters. This means some rules and procedures can differ between Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.

Yes. On 1 June 2027, the current 1975 Road Code will be replaced by four new sets of traffic rules: the federal Code of the Public Road, the Brussels Code of the Public Road, the Flemish traffic regulations and the Walloon Code of the Public Road.

The current Road Code dates from 1975 and has been amended many times. The new system modernises the rules for changes in mobility, including newer forms of transport and greater regional responsibility.

No. Although the new codes introduce and modify some traffic signs, most existing signs may remain in use until 1 January 2045, allowing a long transition period.

Yes. From 1 June 2027, drivers will need to comply with both the federal Code of the Public Road and the applicable regional code for Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia.

Yes. Driving schools that provide regulated professional driver training must be officially recognised or accredited. Driver training is a regional responsibility, so Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia supervise driving schools within their own systems.

Not always. Learners can follow different training routes depending on the region. Private practice with a supervisor is possible in certain routes, while professional lessons are compulsory for other routes or after repeated exam failures.

In Flanders, a learner who wants an M18 provisional licence without a supervisor must complete at least 20 hours of practical lessons at a recognised driving school and receive a certificate confirming that independent practice is permitted.

Not for the first attempts. You may study independently, but after two failed category B theory exams you must complete at least 12 hours of theory lessons at a recognised driving school before trying again.

After every second failed category B practical exam, the candidate must complete at least six hours of practical lessons at a recognised driving school before taking another attempt.

Yes. Brussels offers several category B training routes combining private practice and lessons at an approved driving school. A candidate can also follow a direct driving-school route with the required professional training.

Wallonia offers a driving-school pathway in which the learner receives professional instruction before completing the required training stage. A direct-access route using professional lessons is also available under the applicable conditions.

Yes. When the practical exam is taken through a recognised driving school, the driving school can arrange the appointment and provide the training or examination vehicle.

Yes. Professional driving instructors must meet qualification and authorisation requirements. The detailed rules are administered by the competent region.