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Driving Tips in Belgium
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- Car Hire Depots
- Driving Distances
- Driving Licence
- Driving Age
- Rules and Regulations
- Equipment
- Child Safety Seats
- Speed Limits
- Drink Driving
- Tolls
- Road Signs
- Parking
- Visa Information
- Winter Driving
Car Hire Depots
We search & compare the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Belgium and throughout Europe. Our suppliers are located throughout major cities of Belgium. Click here for more information.
Driving Distances in Belgium
- Antwerp to Brussels - 55 kms (45mins)
- Antwerp to Gent - 60 kms (45 mins)
- Brussels to Brugge - 100 kms (1hr / 10mins)
Licence Requirements
A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers Licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.
Age Restrictions
Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.
Rules and Regulations
General driving rules and regulations in Belgium;
- Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Overtake other vehicles on the left.
- Drivers must give way to traffic joining from the left while at a roundabout, unless signed.
- Trams have priority in Belgium.
- Mobile phones are not allowed while driving, unless when a hands-free unit is used.
- Seat Belts must be used by driver and passengers.
- Dipped headlights are to be used throughout the day.
- A valid drivers licence must be held by the driver at all times while driving.
Equipment
The following equipment are required to be kept in your vehicle and to be used at appropriate times:
- Reflective Vest - to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
- Fire Extinguisher - easily accessible from the drivers seat.
- Warning Triangle - to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic. A reasonable distance between the vehicle must be given on certain roads.
- First Aid Kit
Child Safety Seats
Children under the age of 3 must be seated in the back seats of the car in an appropriate restraint. Children between the ages of 3-12 or with a height up to 1.35m are also required to be seated in a proper restraint.
Speed Limits
Belgium has a high rate of accidents due to speeding. Speed Cameras, traps and unmarked police are used to catch speeding motorists, if caught heavy fines apply on-the spot.
Speed limits are as follows, unless signed:
- Urban (Built Up Areas): 50km/h (30km/h in school areas)
- National Roads: 70-90km/h
- Motorways: 120km/h
Drink Driving
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Belgium is 0.05g/100ml. Fines will be imposed to drivers over the limit, and possible imprisonment.
Tolls
There are no tolls charged on Belgium's motorways, except for the Antwerp Liefkenshoek Tunnel.
Road Signs
Road Signs in Belgium are very similar to other European countries but with slight variance:
- Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a symbol in the middle.
- Prohibitory Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border.
- Information Signs are indicated with a blue background and white text providing motorists with information.
Parking
Blue-Zone parking system is used a lot in many Belgium cities. If parking in a blue-zone, a blue parking card must be displayed which can be purchased at petrol stations, newsagents and police stations. Parking is not allowed within 15 meters of a tram, bus or rail stop or near rail lines; where a yellow line is indicated and busy streets marked with a red triangle.
Visa Information
Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Belgium:
- Australian passport holders do not require a visa for Belgium for stays up to 3 months. Contact the Royal Belgium Embassy or Consulate of Belgium for stays longer than 3 months.
- A valid passport is required to enter into Belgium with at-least 6 months validity.
- Return/Onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.
Winter Driving
There are no specific rules or regulations regarding snow tyres, however drivers need to pay due care and attention on the roads in winter and be able to adapt to changing conditions.
All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: November 2016.