While you may feel comfortable driving in the UK, driving in Belgium can feel different at first. Belgian drivers use the right-hand side of the road, speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour, and there are some local rules around priority, low emission zones, parking and compulsory equipment that you should understand before you travel.
In this guide, we explain the key things you need to know to drive legally and safely in Belgium.
You can also find more general guidance in our advice for motoring in Europe hub, and it’s worth considering AA European breakdown cover before you go, so you’re protected if your vehicle breaks down while you’re away.
Important Information for driving in Belgium
What documents and items do I need to drive in Belgium?
- A valid UK driving licence. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a temporarily imported car or motorcycle in Belgium. Visitors can drive in Belgium using a valid recognised national driving licence. International Driving Permits are also recognised.
- An up-to-date passport. Every occupant of the vehicle, including driver and passengers, must carry an up-to-date passport. Your passport must be:
- issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the date of issue);
- valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the expiry date). If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
- Vehicle registration documents. Third-party insurance is compulsory in Belgium. UK drivers should carry proof of valid motor insurance.
- Written permission if you are not the registered owner. If the vehicle does not belong to you, it is advisable to carry written permission from the registered owner.
- A letter of authorisation from the vehicle hire company.
- V5 registration logbook (or a VE103 document for rented vehicles).
There are also other items you will need to have in your vehicle when driving in Belgium. These are:
- UK sticker. You need a UK sticker clearly displayed on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate does not include the UK identifier.
- Reflective jacket. You must carry a reflective jacket in the vehicle, and it must be easy for the driver to reach without leaving the car. If you have to stop in an emergency or break down, put it on before getting out of the vehicle. Carrying one for each occupant is recommended.
- Warning triangle. This is compulsory for vehicles with four or more wheels. If you break down or have to stop in an emergency, place the triangle at least 30 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads and 100 metres on motorways, where it is safe to do so.
- Fire extinguisher and first aid kit. These are compulsory for Belgian-registered vehicles but are not compulsory for vehicles registered abroad.
If you breakdown or are involved in an accident on a motorway, road for motor vehicles, or somewhere stopping or parking is prohibited, the driver must wear a reflective jacket before leaving the vehicle. If you do not you can be fined a minimum of €58.
EU entry requirements
Entry/Exit System (EES). The EU’s EES became fully operational on 10 April 2026. It replaces manual passport stamping with a digital record of entries and exits for non-EU nationals, including UK travellers. You do not need to apply for EES before travelling, but may need to register biometric details at the border.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The ETIAS is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. Once launched, UK travellers and other visa-exempt nationals will need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to Belgium or other participating European countries. No action is required until the system launches.
Low emission zones
Belgium has Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Linkeroever. If you plan to drive in any of these areas, check the local requirements before travelling.
Vehicles must be registered before entering a Belgian LEZ. Enforcement is carried out using automatic camera systems and failing to register or meet the entry requirements can result in a fine.
Registration for Brussels is separate. Registration for Ghent is also valid for Antwerp, and registration for Antwerp is valid for Ghent.
Brussels Low Emission Zone
The Brussels Low Emission Zone (LEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and covers all 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. Clear road signs indicate when you are entering or leaving the zone. During periods of high pollution, typically between 1 November and 31 March, Brussels may also introduce temporary traffic restrictions or reduced speed limits.
The LEZ applies to cars, vans, minibuses and coaches. Drivers can check whether their vehicle meets the access requirements on the official Brussels LEZ website. Certain vehicles may qualify for automatic exemptions, including some motorhomes and vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts.
If your vehicle does not meet the Brussels LEZ access criteria, you may be able to buy a day pass. For cars, vans, buses and coaches, this costs €35. A maximum of 24 day passes per vehicle can be bought each calendar year. Foreign-registered vehicles must also be registered before entering the Brussels LEZ, even if they meet the emissions standards. Driving in the LEZ without meeting the access rules, without a valid day pass or exemption, or without registering a foreign vehicle can result in a fine.
Ghent Low Emission Zone
Ghent’s inner city area is a Low Emission Zone that applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Foreign-registered vehicles must register online before entering the zone, even if the vehicle meets the entry criteria. Registration for Ghent is also valid for Antwerp, and registration for Antwerp is valid for Ghent.
Exemptions include mopeds and motorcycles, electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and plug-in hybrids emitting less than 50g CO2/km, along with some other vehicle categories.
If your vehicle does not meet the entry criteria, you may need to buy a temporary permit or day pass before entering the zone. A Ghent LEZ day pass can be bought up to 12 times per year and must be purchased no later than one day after entering the LEZ. Driving in the Ghent LEZ with an unauthorised vehicle, or failing to register a foreign vehicle, can result in a fine.
Antwerp Low Emission Zone
The Antwerp Low Emission Zone applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and covers Antwerp and part of the city district of Linkeroever. Foreign-registered vehicles, except vehicles with Dutch plates, must be registered online before entering the zone. Registration for Ghent is also valid for Antwerp, and registration for Antwerp is valid for Ghent.
Vehicles that do not meet the entry conditions must buy a day pass for the zone they wish to enter. Drivers should check the official Antwerp LEZ website before travelling, as entry requirements, day-pass rules and fines can change.
Road rules in Belgium
What is the legal age to drive in Belgium?
You must be at least 18 years old to drive a temporarily imported car or motorcycle in Belgium.
What side of the road do I drive on in Belgium?
IIn Belgium, you drive on the right and overtake on the left.
Who has priority?
Vehicles coming from the right generally have priority, unless signs or road markings say otherwise. Trams have priority over other road users.
At roundabouts, priority is given to traffic already on the roundabout. Drivers must also give way to pedestrians who are already on, or about to step onto, an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing.
Drivers must slow down or stop for buses pulling away from bus stops in built-up areas, and vehicles coming from a path or dirt track must give way to traffic on a surfaced road.
Drivers must give way to emergency vehicles as soon as you hear or see them approaching, moving aside and stopping if necessary.
How do I overtake?
You must overtake on the left. When overtaking a cyclist or moped rider, leave at least one metre between them and your vehicle.
Overtaking is prohibited in some situations, including at certain level crossings, near pedestrian crossings, and where overtaking would be dangerous or restricted by signs.
Belgium uses zip merging in slow-moving traffic where a lane is closing. Drivers in the closing lane should continue to the merge point, then join the open lane in turn. Drivers in the open lane should allow vehicles to merge alternately.
Speed limits in Belgium
Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour.
The standard limits are:
- Residential areas: 20km/h
- Cycle streets: 30km/h
- School or signed 30 zones: 30km/h
Operational 24 hours a day, even when schools are closed, unless signposted otherwise. - Built-up areas: generally 50km/h in Flanders and Wallonia, and 30km/h in Brussels, unless signs show otherwise.
- Outside built-up areas: 90km/h
- Outside built-up areas in Flanders: 70km/h
- Motorways and dual carriageways with a central reservation: 120km/h
Motorways also have a minimum speed of 70km/h unless traffic or weather conditions make this unsafe.
Speeding fines in Belgium
Speeding offences in Belgium are taken seriously and fines can be issued and collected on the spot, particularly from non-resident drivers.
Penalties increase significantly for higher speeds, and serious offences can lead to a court appearance, substantial fines and a driving licence suspension. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h in built-up areas, or more than 40 km/h on other roads and motorways, could face fines of up to €4,000 and a driving ban of between 8 days and 5 years.
Since the UK's departure from the European Union, EU countries can no longer write to or send fines to UK drivers for offences caught on camera, such as speeding. However, exceeding the speed limit could still result in an on-the-spot fine and other serious repercussions, as well as endangering your safety and the safety of others.
Speed camera detectors
Active radar detectors or equipment that searches for or interferes with speed cameras is prohibited. Navigation systems showing the fixed location of speed cameras are permitted.
Traffic lights in Belgium
Belgian traffic light systems work in a similar way to those in the UK.
Red means stop, do not pass the stop line or the traffic light if there is not a line.
Amber means stop unless you are too close to stop safely.
Green means you may proceed if the road ahead is clear.
Seat belt and child seat rules in Belgium
Everyone in the vehicle needs to wear a seatbelt where one is fitted, whether they’re sitting in the front or the back of the vehicle.
Child seat regulations in Belgium
- Children under 18 who are shorter than 135cm tall need to use an appropriate child-restraint system, whether they’re sitting in the front or the back of the vehicle. There is an on-the-spot fine of €174 for driving a child without an adequate child-restraint system, if prosecuted by police, fine ranges from €240 to €4,000.
- A rear-facing child seat must not be used on a front seat with an active frontal airbag unless the airbag has been deactivated
- If you’ve got two children already sitting in the back of the vehicle with child restraint systems in place and there isn’t space for a third one, the third child is allowed to use the adult seat belt instead.
- Children under three have to use a child seat or restraint on all journeys, except in taxis.
Drink- and drug-driving laws in Belgium
The drink-drive limit in Belgium is lower than in the UK. The general legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content or 0.22mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air.
Drivers with a blood alcohol level between 0.05% and 0.08% may receive an immediate three-hour driving ban and an on-the-spot fine. Drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or above, or who refuse a breath test, face more severe penalties including longer driving bans, licence suspension and higher fines.
For some professional drivers, including certain goods vehicle and passenger transport drivers, the legal limit is lower at 0.02%.
Police can carry out roadside breath tests. If a driver is suspected of being under the influence of drugs, police may carry out a roadside saliva test. Drivers who test positive are normally prohibited from driving immediately while further testing is carried out. Serious or repeat offences can lead to licence suspension, heavy fines or imprisonment.
Drivers who test positive for drugs are normally prohibited from driving immediately while further testing is carried out. Serious or repeat offences can lead to licence suspension, heavy fines or imprisonment.
Mobile phones and headphones
You must not use a hand-held mobile phone while driving in Belgium. This prohibition also applies when your vehicle is stationary in traffic or at traffic lights. Hands-free devices are permitted, but drivers must remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving can result in an on-the-spot fine of €174. More serious cases may be referred for prosecution, where higher fines and additional penalties may apply.
Vehicle lights and tyres in Belgium
Dipped headlights should be used during the day if visibility is poor. Using position lights alone when driving at night is prohibited, even in built-up areas.
Rear fog lights are compulsory in fog, snow or heavy rain when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less, and must not be used unless these conditions are present.
Motorcycles and mopeds must use passing lights and rear lights at all times.
Tyre requirements in Belgium
When driving in Belgium, vehicle tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. For mopeds, the minimum tread depth is 1mm. If a tyre is below the required tread depth, it should be replaced before the vehicle is driven.
If you have a puncture or one tyre falls below the minimum tread depth, the tyre on the opposite side of the same axle may also need to be replaced. In practice, this means a garage may require both tyres on the axle to be replaced if a single new tyre cannot be properly matched to the remaining tyre.
Winter tyres are not compulsory in Belgium. If you are planning to drive in winter conditions, suitable tyres are recommended. Snow chains may only be used when roads are covered with snow or ice, and studded tyres are prohibited except in exceptional circumstances.
Parking regulations and fines in Belgium
Belgium has clear parking rules, but drivers should always check local signs and payment instructions. Vehicles that are stopped or parked must have the engine switched off unless it is absolutely necessary to keep it running.
In general, vehicles should be parked on the right-hand side of the road, or on either side in a one-way street, and should be left on the shoulder where possible without blocking pedestrians.
In blue zones, a parking disc is usually required on working days, including Saturdays, between 09:00 and 18:00, with parking normally limited to two hours unless signs say otherwise. Paid parking may be controlled by meters, ticket machines, parking cards or local permits, so drivers should check the machine, signs or car park notices before leaving the vehicle. Wheel clamps may be used for uninsured vehicles or for breaches of paid-parking, parking-card or time-limit rules.
Disabled parking in Belgium
Belgium recognises disabled parking cards issued abroad, including the UK Blue Badge, provided the badge displays the international disabled symbol.
Blue Badge holders may use marked disabled parking spaces and may usually park without time limit where parking time is restricted, including in blue zones and at parking meters. However, a Blue Badge does not allow parking where parking is prohibited, and free parking is not guaranteed everywhere, so drivers should check local rules, car park notices or ask an attendant.
Disabled parking spaces are marked with the international wheelchair symbol and may be found on-street, in municipal car parks and in some private car parks, shops, tourist sites and leisure facilities.
Fuel in Belgium
Availability of fuel
95 and 98 unleaded petrol, diesel, LPG and EV charging are widely available across Belgium. Many petrol stations close overnight, usually between around 20:00 and 08:00, and may also close on Sundays, but service stations on motorways and main roads are generally open 24 hours a day.
How do I pay for fuel in France?
Credit cards are widely accepted, although some automated pumps may only accept Belgian bank cards, selected credit cards or fuel cards, so it’s worth checking your payment card before travelling and carrying an alternative.
LPG is available at many service stations, and Belgium has expanded its EV charging network significantly, with regular chargers widely available and fast-charging hubs increasing on major routes. A maximum of 10 litres of fuel may be imported duty-free in a portable container, in addition to the fuel in your vehicle’s tank, when travelling within the EU; however, portable fuel containers are not permitted on ferries.
Fuel prices in Belgium
You can pay for your fuel using cash, a debit card, or a credit card, but make sure to check that your credit card type is accepted in Belgium first.
Electric Cars in Belgium
Where can I charge my electric car in Belgium?
Belgium has rapidly expanded its EV charging network, with a high concentration in Flanders. Most are regular chargers, although fast-charging hubs are increasing on major highways.
EV drivers should plan charging stops before travelling using EV charging maps and provider apps, as payment methods can vary by operator.
How do I pay for electric car charging?
You can pay for EV charging in Belgium by registering with the app relevant to the charging point you’re using and linking it to your credit or debit card.
Tips for driving an electric car in Belgium
- Plan your route in advance using a map of charging stations, so you can recharge as needed.
- Charge your electric car overnight where possible.
- Download and register with charging point apps before you travel to make charging and payment quicker and easier.
- Avoid periods of heavy congestion, especially in built-up areas, as sitting in traffic for long periods can drain your electric car's battery.
Riding a motorcycle in Belgium
Riders must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to ride in Belgium, including mopeds and motorcycles up to 125cc.
Motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets, and this also applies to moped riders and passengers, and to riders of motorised tricycles or quadricycles without a passenger compartment.
All riders must wear protective clothing: gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, long trousers and boots that protect the ankles.
Children under 3 are not allowed on motorcycles; children aged 3 to 8 may only travel as passengers in a special seat and only on motorcycles up to 125cc.
If a rider has to get off their motorcycle after a breakdown or accident on a motorway, road for motor vehicles, or where stopping or parking is prohibited, they must wear a reflective safety jacket; failure to do so can result in a fine.
Riders should also carry their driving licence, insurance certificate, vehicle registration documents and passport or proof of identity.
Towing a caravan or trailer in Belgium
Cars towing caravans or trailers must comply with Belgian rules on vehicle dimensions, weight and registration. The maximum height is 4m, the maximum width is generally 2.55 metres, or 2.60 metres in some cases, and the maximum length for a vehicle and trailer or caravan combination is 18.75 metres.
Weight limits also apply, including 10 tonnes per single axle and 12 tonnes per driving axle. A trailer or caravan with a maximum authorised weight of 750kg or less does not need to be registered separately, but must display a replica of the towing vehicle’s registration plate at the rear. Trailers and caravans over 750kg must be registered separately.
It’s forbidden to carry passengers in a moving caravan. Police can impound a vehicle if the load is unsafe, so make sure anything being carried is secure and that you have a clear view of the road behind you.
Speed limits for cars towing caravans or trailers
The standard legal speed limits apply for private vehicles below 3.5 tonnes, with or without a trailer, are:
- 20km/h in residential areas
- 30km/h on cycle streets, school zones and signed 30 zones such as the entrance to some built-up areas
- 50km/h in built-up areas
- 90km/h outside built-up areas
- 70km/h outside built-up areas in Flanders
- 120km/h on motorways and dual carriageways with at least two lanes in each direction separated by a central reservation
Always follow local signs, as lower or higher limits may apply on some roads, including at the entrance to built-up areas. On roads with speed humps, drivers should approach carefully and pass over them at no more than 30km/h.
Motorways also have a minimum speed of 70km/h, unless traffic or weather conditions make this unsafe. Always follow local signs, as lower or higher limits may apply.
Equipment that actively detects speed cameras or interferes with police equipment is prohibited, although sat navs showing fixed speed-camera locations are permitted.
Tolls in Belgium
Belgian motorways are generally toll-free for passenger vehicles. The main exception is the Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp. In 2026, the toll for vehicles under 3m high is €8 when paying in cash, €6.20 by credit or fuel card, or €4.40 using the electronic system. Higher tolls apply for vehicles over 3m high: from 06:01 to 21:59, the charge is €25 cash, €21.90 by card or fuel card, or €17.60 electronically; overnight, from 22:00 to 06:00, the lower under-3-metre tariff applies.
Roadside assistance in Belgium
If you break down in Belgium, you should:
- Switch on your hazard warning lights.
- Put on a reflective safety jacket before getting out of the vehicle.
- Place your warning triangle behind the vehicle. The triangle must be at least 30 metres behind the vehicle on normal roads and 100 metres on motorways, positioned so approaching traffic can see it clearly. Hazard lights can be used as well, but they do not replace the legal requirement to use a warning triangle.
- Get everyone out of the vehicle and behind the safety barrier if it is safe to do so.
- In an emergency, call 112 for assistance.
Our European breakdown cover will protect you if you happen to break down anywhere in Belgium, or the rest of Europe. If your vehicle breaks down at any time from the moment you leave your home to the second you get back, you’ll have access to more than 60,000 repair and recovery operators who can help you get your vehicle back on the road or home.
Whether you’re travelling in a car, van, motorcycle, campervan, your vehicle can be covered, as well as anything you’re towing behind you – regardless of the age of the motor.
16 June 2026
