Driving in Belgium

Every year you will find that hundreds of thousands of Brits cross the Channel in their cars and enjoy a well-earned holiday in Belgium – a country full of historical interest, delicious waffles, and mouthwatering chocolate.

If you are one of these many people who are set to enjoy this beautiful country, travelling in your own car, you are likely here to find out what the rules and laws are around driving in Belgium.

Like many European countries, Belgium does have some nuances which can make it slightly different from driving in the UK. That is why it is important that you are prepared for this before you set off.

Belgium Driving Laws

At the most basic level, to drive in the Belgium you need to be over 18 and hold a full valid driving license.

If you have a driving licence that has been issued within the EU or EEA country (including the UK) then this is all you require.

An International Driving Permit is not required for UK drivers unless you are planning on staying in the country for more than 185 days.

Documents For Belgium Driving

When driving in Belgium in your own vehicle, you will need to ensure that you have the following documentation with you:

• Full and valid UK driving license
• Passport as proof of ID
• Car insurance certificate (make sure you also have the appropriate cover for driving in the EU)
• Your V5 registration document

Items to pack when driving in Belgium

As well as the important documentation, you should also ensure you have packed the following items in your car:

• A reflective warning triangle – which can be set up behind your car in the even that you have to stop for an emergency. It will alert other road users that your car is stationary up ahead.
• Reflective jacket –something you can wear when you need to get out of your car in an emergency. Making you more visible to other road users.
• Headlamp converters – these special stickers go over your headlamps and change the angle of the light beam. Given you will be driving on the right hand side of the road, in a car designed for the left, this ensures you do not affect the vision of drivers coming the other way.
• First aid kit – this is compulsory for vehicles registered in Belgium. Although it is not compulsory for foreign registered vehicles, it is just a good thing to have in the car anyway. You never know when you may need it.
• Avoid taking meat or dairy products into the country.

National Identifier Mark

When driving in Belgium you need to ensure that you have the correct national identifier mark on your car.

This used to be a GB sticker. However as of the 28th of September 2021, the correct mark is now ‘UK’.

All vehicles that are registered in the UK must have this identification on them.

Belgium Driving Rules

Perhaps one of the most important rules you need to be aware of straight away is that in Belgium you are required to drive on the right-hand side of the road. If you are overtaking, this happens on the left.

All vehicles which are coming from the right have priority, so bare this in mind when at junctions and intersections.

On roundabouts if you are joining, you must give way to vehicles which are already driving on the roundabout.

If you are in a city or town, buses pulling away from bus stops should be given the right of way.

Trams always have right of way. Regardless of whether they are on the left or the right.

Seat Belts in the Belgium

Like the UK, seatbelt laws in the Belgium are very straightforward – if your car has seatbelts installed you (and all passengers) must wear them.

Failure to wear seatbelts will result in a €116 fine.

Belgium Speed Limits

There are 3 main speed limits within Belgium:

• Residential: 20 km/h
• Cities & towns: 50 km/h (30 km/h near schools)
• Dual carriageways & A roads: 70km/h – 90km/h (depending on the region you are in. There are different levels in Flemish areas and Wallonia. Check local guidelines and signage)
• Motorways: 120 km/h

Speeding fines will range from €53 to €4,000. The severity of the fine depends on at which speed you were travelling when caught.

Speed camera detectors are legal in Belgium. However any device that impacts police equipment is illegal.

Belgium Drink-Driving Laws

The limit for most motorists in the Belgium is 0.05% - which is less than that of England’s and aligned with Scotland's regulations.

Random breath tests can happen when driving in Belgium. If you are found to have between 0.05 and 0.08 alcohol level, you will have your driving license confiscated for three hours.

If you are over 0.08, you can face up to a €1,260 fine and suspension from driving for 15 days.

Useful Phrases When Driving in Belgium

Depending on which part of Belgium you are visiting, you may need to know some French or Flemish phrases to get by in an emergency.

Here are some useful phrases should you get into any trouble when driving in the Belgium:

Enjoy Belgium

Armed with the right information, and the correct documents you can rest easy in the knowledge that you should have a lovely trip through Belgium in your car.

So, make sure you pack everything you need, exchange your Sterling for Euros, plan you journey well and then set off and enjoy your time in this wonderful country.