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DRIVING TIPS IN BELGIUM
Before you pick up your rental car, it’s best to read up on some driving tips for Belgium. We will go over some rules and regulations you should know about, as well as basics like speed limits and what to do in this fascinating country. Get behind the wheel with confidence with our tips!
RULES AND REGULATIONS
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In Belgium, they drive on the right-hand side of the road.
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Wearing of seat belts is required for all passengers.
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Children under 18 and less than 1.35 m must use a suitable child-restraint system whether seated in the front or rear seat of a vehicle. A child under 3 years old can’t be transported in a vehicle without a child seat/restraint. It is prohibited to use a rear-facing child seat on a front seat with a frontal airbag unless it is deactivated.
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The maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.049%.
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Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.
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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.
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The minimum age for driving is 18 years of age.
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Third-party car insurance is required. The police can impound an uninsured vehicle.
SPEED LIMITS
These are some of the standard legal speed limits. Be sure to look out for signs marking any speed zones, for instance for construction and around schools.
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Within city Limits 50km/h(31 mph)
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Outside city Limits 90km/h(55 mph)
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Expressways with divider 120km/h (74mph)
THINGS TO BRING ALONG
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Reflective jacket – Drivers stranded on a Belgian motorway or on a major road (usually four-lane roads, called “route pour automobiles”), or stopping at places where parking is not allowed must wear a reflective safety vest as soon as they leave their vehicle. The fine for non-compliance is €55, but the amount can be much higher (€60 – €1,500) if the driver refuses to pay or in a circumstance where the driver has to go to court (for example in the event of an accident).
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Warning triangle – Required for vehicles with more than two wheels. It is placed on the roadway in the event of a breakdown or accident.
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First-aid kit and fire extinguisher are recommended as it’s required to be carried in vehicles registered in Belgium.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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If you travel to the capital city of Brussels you can get more from your trip when using a car rental in Belgium. While in Brussels make sure you check out the Manneken Pis, the Atomium, the Grand Place, Palais Royal, Mini Europe, Cathédrale St Michel, and Gudule.
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Drive to Brugge and see the Belfry Tower, travel to Antwerp and visit the magnificent Cathedral of our Lady and go to Ghent for the Castle of the Counts.