Camion de pompiersWallonie

Yes, when it meets the requirements for a priority vehicle. Belgian law expressly recognises fire-service vehicles among the vehicles whose drivers receive special exemptions while carrying out an urgent mission.

You must immediately clear the way and give priority. You must stop if necessary so that the fire truck can pass safely.

Yes. A priority vehicle must use its blue flashing lights when carrying out an urgent mission.

No. The special audible warning device may only be used during an urgent mission, but the Road Code does not require it to be used continuously throughout every urgent journey.

The specific obligation requiring every road user to immediately clear the way and give priority applies when the special audible warning announces the approach of the priority vehicle. Drivers should nevertheless remain alert and avoid obstructing a fire truck displaying blue flashing lights.

Yes, under specific conditions. A priority vehicle using its special audible warning may pass a red traffic light at moderate speed, provided this does not create danger for other road users.

Yes. A fire-service vehicle carrying out an urgent mission may depart from many provisions of the Belgian Road Code. Certain specifically listed safety rules and orders from authorised persons must still be respected.

Yes, when the urgent mission justifies it. Priority vehicles carrying out an urgent mission can be exempted from ordinary speed restrictions and posted C43 speed limits under the conditions provided by Belgian law.

Yes. A priority vehicle carrying out an urgent mission may use the emergency lane, allowing it to reach an incident when the normal traffic lanes are congested or blocked.

Keep the required emergency corridor clear and create as much safe space as possible. Do not drive into the emergency corridor yourself or obstruct the route needed by emergency vehicles.

No. The emergency corridor and other space created for priority vehicles must remain available for authorised emergency traffic. Ordinary drivers may not use it simply to bypass congestion.

Reduce speed, leave sufficient space and remain especially alert. Firefighters, hoses and rescue equipment may occupy the carriageway, and police or emergency personnel may temporarily control or divert traffic.

Not merely because it belongs to the fire service. The broad exemptions available to the driver of a fire-service priority vehicle apply when the vehicle is carrying out an urgent mission. Otherwise, the ordinary traffic rules generally apply unless another specific exception exists.