6 August 2024
10 mins read
Famous for its grand architecture, mouth-watering food, and striking art scene, there is always something to see and do when driving in Belgium.
Whether you have travelled to Belgium before or are visiting for the first time, it is important to thoroughly check your destination’s rules and driving requirements beforehand. GOV.UK states that only 37% of people check the local driving laws of the country they are visiting before leaving the UK.
By not doing your research, you are putting yourself and other road users at significant risk.
However, we understand that accidents can happen, particularly when you are driving in unfamiliar territory.
You can eliminate any potential worries or stress by taking out a standalone excess insurance policy.
Our car hire insurance excess cover is there to protect you from the cost of any loss or damage caused to the rental vehicle.
This includes misfuelling, tyres, windscreen and undercarriage damage, personal possessions, and towing costs. So, you can continue to enjoy your holiday without the worry of having to pay costs ranging from £100 to £2,000 upon your return.
Continue reading our guide to find out everything you need to know about the laws, rules, and requirements for driving in Belgium.
Preparing for driving in Belgium
To feel safe and confident when taking to new roads, it is vital that you do your research.
Failure to do any research at all not only puts you and other drivers at risk but could also see you issued an on-the-spot fine, points on your license, or worse.
Just like when travelling to any other European country, it is your responsibility to make sure you are carrying the essential documentation and items required by Belgian law.
To ensure you have everything you need to enjoy a stress-free car hire experience abroad, let’s delve deeper into Belgium’s driving rules and requirements.
Can you drive in Belgium with a UK license?
Yes, you can legally use your UK driving license in Belgium, provided it is full and valid.
Just like in the UK, if you are looking to take to the Belgian roads, you will need to be aged 18 or over.
Driving licenses that have been issued in EU and EEA countries will be accepted, while international driving licenses are also recognised but are not required unless your stay exceeds 185 days.
What do I need to drive in Belgium?
In addition to your driver’s license, Belgian law requires you to carry any documentation relating to your vehicle.
These will be provided by the hire company upon collection of your rental car. Much like in Italy and Spain, you will also need to carry mandatory items when driving in Belgium.
These include reflective jackets, a warning triangle, and headlamp beam deflectors.
If you have hired a Belgium-registered car, you are also required to carry a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher by law.
However, there is no need to purchase any of these items, as they will also be provided by the rental company.
Do I need a UK sticker for driving in Belgium?
If you will be driving a UK-registered vehicle in Belgium, you must display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle.
However, if you have hired a Belgium-registered car, you will not be required to attach a UK sticker to your vehicle.
Do I need an emissions sticker for Belgium?
Much like other European countries, Belgium has low emission zones.
These can be found in larger cities, such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
However, you do not need to display an emissions sticker to enter these zones. Instead, you are required to register your hire car details and pay the registration fee before you are allowed to proceed.
If you wish to enter another environmental zone during your drive in Belgium, a separate registration for entry must be made. Failure to register your car could result in you being issued a fine of up to €350.
Road rules in Belgium
Now that we have established what documentation and equipment you are expected to carry when driving in Belgium, it is time to learn more about the country’s road rules.
You may find that some of the rules are not too dissimilar from what you are used to in the UK.
However, some of the rules can differ greatly, so it is important to never assume that driving will be the same as what you are used to.
Make sure you take the time to thoroughly read and understand the rules before heading out on your travels.
Do I need to wear a seat belt in Belgium?
Just like in the UK, it is mandatory for both drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt at all times. If any adults in your vehicle are caught not wearing a seat belt, you could be issued a fine of €100, while any children under 12 not wearing a seat belt will earn you a fine of €150.
Which side of the road do they drive in Belgium?
Following the suit of other European countries, motorists are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road in Belgium.
If you have hired a car in Belgium, your car will already be set up for this, with the driver’s seat located on the left side of the vehicle. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get used to this adjustment and the new functions of your hire car before taking to busier roads.
What is priority to the right in Belgium?
In Belgium, all drivers must give priority to any vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a junction or are allowing pedestrians to cross.
This rule applies to all roads, with the exception of motorways and roundabouts. In larger cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi, it is important to be aware that trams have priority over all other road users. If a tram stops to let passengers off in front of you, then you must stop behind it.
Similarly, if a bus has indicated that it intends to leave a stop, drivers need to slow down or come to a complete stop. Just like in the UK, motorists must give way to emergency vehicles by moving to the side of the road or stopping when it is safe to do so.
How do I overtake in Belgium?
Road users are expected to overtake other vehicles on the left-hand side of the road. If you are overtaking a cyclist or moped, you must ensure that there is a minimum distance of at least one metre.
You are also prohibited from overtaking in the following situations:
At intersections where drivers are required to give way
If the vehicle being overtaken is approaching a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist crossing that is not controlled by traffic lights
At level crossings that feature the St. Andrew’s cross sign
If the vehicle being overtaken is also overtaking a vehicle, unless there are three traffic lanes
When driving in Belgium, it is important to apply the same level of care and attention when overtaking as you would when driving at home. Always ensure that you check your mirrors, leave a safe distance, and indicate appropriately to alert other drivers of your intentions.
What are the roundabout rules in Belgium?
Much like in Portugal and Germany, road users who are already on the roundabout have priority. If there is no sign stating this, then traffic joining from the right of the roundabout has priority. Normal rules still apply when navigating roundabouts in Belgium, so you must always use your indicators to show other drivers you intend to exit and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Can you turn right on red in Belgium?
No, you are not allowed to turn at a red light in Belgium when driving a car. However, just like in France, there is a sign that allows cyclists to do this.
How do traffic lights work in Belgium?
Just like the UK and many other European countries, Belgium follows the international three-colour traffic light system. However, if you see a red or flashing amber light when approaching a level crossing, you must stop and wait at the crossing line, as this means a train is on the way.
What are the speed limits in Belgium?
Belgium follows the metric system for all its road signs, which provide you with information regarding distances and speed limits. This means that any signs you see will be displayed in kilometres and metres instead of miles and yards.
Unless signs state otherwise, you should always follow the instructed speed limits. Here is a general guideline for speed limits in Belgium:
Urban roads - 50kph/30mph
Residential Areas - 20kph/12mph
Near Schools - 30kph/19mph
Outside built-up areas - 90kph/55mph
Motorways - 120kph/75mph
It is important to always be aware of your speed, as limits can change depending on where you are driving and the type of road you are driving on.
If you fail to adhere to Belgium's speed limits, you could receive a hefty fine or points on your license.
How much are Belgian speeding fines?
Just like in the UK, Belgian speeding fines can differ and depend on where you were driving and how far over the speed limit you were. If you are caught exceeding the speed limit by just 1 kph, you could earn yourself a fine of €10. However, if you are caught driving 21 kph – 30 kph too fast in a built-up area, school zone, or residential area, there is a fixed fine of €53. This then increases by €11 for every additional kilometre above the 10 kph speed.
You will also be at risk of receiving a driving ban or having your license revoked. It is important to remember that even if you have hired a car for your trip, you will still be liable for any fines incurred.
Speed cameras in Belgium
You will find both fixed and mobile speed cameras in Belgium’s bustling cities, and along its motorways. These are usually highlighted with a black and white sign stating ‘radar,’ followed by a distance to show you how many kilometres away the camera is. Just like many other European countries, Belgium prohibits the use of any device that alerts you to a speed camera’s presence. This includes smartphone apps such as Google Maps, radar detection equipment, and GPS systems.
If you will need to use your GPS system while driving in Belgium, you must ensure this function is switched off.
Do children require a car seat in Belgium?
Yes – if you are travelling with a child under the age of 18 and measuring under 135cm, they must be adequately secured in a restraint system. Children under the age of three are forbidden from travelling if there is no child seat or restraint. Any child seat used must be suitable for the child’s weight and height.
Please be aware that you are also prohibited from using a rear-facing child seat on a front seat unless the airbag is deactivated.
Can I use my mobile phone when driving in Belgium?
It is against the law to use your mobile phone without a hands-free set. If you are caught using your mobile phone without one, you could be issued a €174 fine.
Can you smoke while driving in Belgium?
Yes, you can smoke while driving in Belgium. However, it is against the law to smoke in your car when a child under 16 is present. Those who fail to comply with this law can face fines ranging up to €1,000.
Parking in Belgium
Parking in the wrong place can be a simple mistake, but it is one that could earn you a fine, or worse, result in your car being clamped.
Avoid this worry by doing some research about where you can and cannot park in the area you are visiting.
If you plan to spend a day soaking up the city life, you will usually find that you will need to pay to park. You can easily do this by buying a ticket from the parking meter and clearly displaying it on your dashboard. To find designated car parks, you can use Interparking Group to find car parks in your area.
Blue badge holders will have access to specially reserved spaces, which are indicated by a sign stating ‘E23’ followed by an international symbol. Badge holders are also able to park without a time limit in areas where parking time is restricted by road signs. However, you cannot park if:
You are within 15 metres of a tram or bus stop
Busy streets marked with a red triangle sign stating, ‘Axe Rouge,’ warning you against parking between certain hours of the day. For example: No parking between 4pm and 6pm
There is a yellow line on the curb
If you are still unsure, areas where you can legally park are usually indicated by a sign with a white ‘P’ and a blue background.
Belgian Road Tolls
Unlike many other European countries, Belgium's motorways are currently toll-free, with the exception of vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more.
Availability and cost of fuel in Belgium
You will be pleased to know that you can access all usual fuel types in Belgium, including 95 and 98 unleaded petrol, diesel, and LPG. The price of petrol and fuel in Belgium is, on average, slightly cheaper than it is in the UK, but it does vary from area to area. As Belgium uses the metric system, all pumps will display fuel in litres.
If you are wanting to fill your car up with unleaded petrol, you will need to look for the pump that is marked with Super Euro (95) or (98). Whereas diesel could not be easier to find as it goes by the same name.
It is important to be aware that most petrol stations in Belgium are open from 8pm – 8am and usually all day on Sunday. However, you will find 24-hour service stations along the motorways and main roads if needed. Be sure to always check the current fuel prices before travelling.
Final thoughts on driving in Belgium
We want your trip to Belgium to be unforgettable, for all the right reasons. Doing your research ahead of time can help you feel more knowledgeable and confident when taking to unfamiliar roads when driving abroad.
So, the only thing you need to worry about is where you are going to visit first when driving in Belgium!
About the author
Jon spent years travelling Europe and Asia before settling down in the UK when he met his wife. He’s hired cars across the globe and is passionate about helping people save money with excess insurance. Since co-founding Reduce My Excess, Jon has found that he can use the knowledge he picked up from his travels by sharing it in online guides and articles. He hopes to save people from making the mistakes he learnt from over the years by giving them the travel information they need before they head off on their holidays.