Tips for Driving In Belgium

Overview
In Belgium motorists drive on the right side of the road.

Essential safety equipment:
• Warning triangles
• Headlamp converters

Recommended safety equipment:
• Fire extinguisher
• Torch
• First aid kit
• Headlight converters
• Spare bulbs
• Spare pair of prescription spectacles
• Spare wheel
• Spare fan belt
• Reflective vest

Minimum driving age
The minimum driving age using is 18.

Seatbelt requirements
Passengers must wear front and rear seatbelts where fitted.

Children passengers
Children under 12 can not travel unless using a suitable child safety restraint.

Drink driving limits
Limits are 50mg/100ml. In some cases, driving licences can be confiscated immediately.

Speed limits
• Urban: 50 kph (31 mph)
• Open road: 90 kph (56 mph)
• Motorway: 120 kph (75 mph)

Speed limits are strict. Radar regulation is frequent and heavy on-the-spot fines can be imposed.

Lights
Dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.

Fuel
Dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.

Parking
Blue zone parking controls operate in most towns. Check for signs indicating that cars should park either fully or partly on the pavement. If you have a pet you should be aware that it is illegal to leave a dog unattended in a parked car.

Fines
On-the-spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine. Speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles are operational throughout the country and fines have increased dramatically. Visitors to Belgium will have to pay on-the-spot and vehicles may be impounded if they are unable to pay.

Mobile phones
It is illegal to use a phone without a hands-free kit while driving in Belgium. A hand-held phone can be used in a stationary vehicle but not where the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam.

Emergency numbers
Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services.

Local numbers:
• Ambulance: 100
• Police: 101
• Fire: 100

Other useful information
Drivers should be aware of the 'priority to the right' rule: drivers must stop for traffic joining from the right, except on motorways, roundabouts, and roads sign-posted with an orange diamond within a white background. Trams have priority over other traffic - if a tram or bus stops in the middle of the road to allow passengers off or on, you must stop.

Languages
Two languages are spoken in Belgium - Flemish and French. This can prove confusing for visiting drivers because road signs in the north of the country are in Flemish while those in the south are in French.