Belgium has a dense network of highways, bringing you almost anywhere in the country in less then a 4 hours. Road signs are written in Dutch in the Flemish part and in French in the Walloon part of Belgium.
Index:
- Belgium trafic rules
- Speed limits
- Drivers license and insurance
- Low emission zones
- Planning your perfect Belgium road trip.
Speed Limits
The general speed limits are as follows:
- 50 km/h (31 mph) within built-up areas;
- 90 km/h (56 mph) outside built-up areas;
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on roads with at least two two-lane roadways separated by a median, and on freeways.
The limits shown above apply only if there are no other signs present, as the signs may prescribe a lower or a higher speed limit. The speed limit outside built-up areas is in many places, especially in the Flemish Region, restricted to 70 km/h (43 mph). Around almost all schools, 30 km/h (19 mph) zones are found.
Drivers Licence and Insurance
For driving a motorized vehicle in Belgium you’ll need one of the following drivers licences: Belgian Drivers Licence, European Drivers Licence, International Drivers Licence. If you don’t have a european drivers licence, it’s advised to check with your embassy if your drivers licence is valid.
Car insurance is Compulsory. Most western-european car insurances include Belgium, but it’s always best to inform with your insurance company before you depart.
Apart from a valid drivers licence and an insurance certificate, you’ll need to carry the vehicle registration documents as well with you. And of course a valid passport.
Low Emission Zone
In order to improve air quality, several Belgian cities have introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZ). It’s mandatory for every foreign vehicle to register, before entering a low emission zone. Always check in advance if your vehicle is allowed in advance in order to avoid a fine!
The regulations and requirements for the accepted vehicles varies in each city with a LEZ. Brussels and Antwerp have a permanent Low Emission Zone. Ghent will be following at 01/01/2020. Mechelen and Willebroek will follow on 10/01/2021.
Low Emission Zone Brussels:
The entire Brussels area has become a permanent Low Emission Zone. More information and vehicle registration on the link below: https://lez.brussels/en
Low Emission Zone Ghent:
The entire inner city of Ghent will become a Low Emission Zone on 01/01/2020. More information and vehicle registration on the link below: https://stad.gent/ghent-international/mobility-ghent/low-emission-zone-ghent-2020