Belgium summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Dutch, French, German
Euro
10,666,866
GMT + 1
32
Right
Yes
Local weather
Brussels
-
Sat-10° | -2° -
Sun-8° | -2° -
Mon-10° | 0° - Tue-10° | -6°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (75mph)
- Open roads:
- 90kmh (55mph)
- Towns:
- 50kmh (31mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
- More than 50mg of alcohol in the bloodstream can result in a fine up to €10,000 and surrender of Driving Licence for up to 6 hours
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving and can result in an on the spot fine of €50
- It is legal to use a hands free unit
-
Seat belts:
- Compulsory for front and rear seated passengers if already fitted
- Children must be at least 12 years of age to sit in the front of the vehicle unless a special secured seat is fitted
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- Red – Stop
- Amber – Prepare to stop
- Green – Proceed
Costs
- Road tolls:
- Liefkenshoektunnel near Antwerp is a toll road
- Motorways are free
- On the spot fines:
- On the spot fines are issued for minor motoring offences
- Motorists should always collect a receipt from the issuing officer
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- 0700 -1000 hrs
- 1500 -1900 hrs
- Fuel:
- Fuel stations generally open 0800hrs to 2000hrs
- Main fuel stations along motorways are open 24hrs
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably will not work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours
- All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive
- Leaded petrol is getting hard to find
- Parking advice:
- Blue zones operate in selected roads, which allow motorists to park for a limited period
- A parking disc must be obtained from a fuel station, car supply shop or police station before motorists can park their vehicle in these roads
- Parking meters and tickets are in force in and around busy roads and in all cities
- Motorists should consider the individual restrictions before they park their vehicle