Mag je rechts inhalen in België?

Alleen in twee gevallen: als de voorligger links afslaat en links is gaan rijden, en bij het passeren van een tram.

Mag je een fietser inhalen waar een inhaalverbod geldt?

Meestal wel. Het verbod en bord C35 gelden voor motorvoertuigen, niet voor gewone fietsen. Hou wel de juiste zijdelingse afstand.

Wat betekent bord C35?

Verboden in te halen voor motorvoertuigen. Het geldt tot bord C37 of tot het volgende kruispunt.

Mag je inhalen op een kruispunt?

Niet op kruispunten met voorrang van rechts of waar jij voorrang moet verlenen (B1 of B5). Op een voorrangsweg mag het wel.

Overtaking in Belgium: left, right and prohibited places

In Belgium, you generally overtake on the left. Overtaking on the right is only allowed in two specific situations, and in several places, you are not allowed to overtake at all.

It is important to first know the difference:

Overtaking passing a vehicle that is in motion.

Passing passing a vehicle or object that is stationary.

When do you overtake on the right?

There are two situations in which overtaking on the left is prohibited, and you therefore overtake on the right:

When the vehicle in front has activated its left turn signal and has clearly moved to the left to turn.
When passing a tram that is on the tracks, unless there is physically no space on the right side.

When is driving faster on the right NOT overtaking?

In these cases, the law does not refer to overtaking, and therefore the overtaking rules do not apply:

In heavy traffic jams.
Within the built-up area, where you choose your lane according to your destination.
On exits and entrances.

Where are you not allowed to overtake?

Overtaking on the left of a combination, a two-wheeled motor vehicle, or a vehicle with more than two wheels is prohibited in these places. You may generally pass a regular bicycle here:

At intersections with right of way from the right, and at intersections where you must yield (sign B1 or B5).
At a level crossing without barriers, unless traffic is regulated by traffic lights.
Just before the top of a hill and in curves with insufficient visibility, unless you can overtake without crossing the continuous white line.
When the vehicle in front of you stops for, or approaches a pedestrian crossing or cycle crossing, at places without a police officer or traffic lights.
At a raised structure (speed bump). You may pass a bicycle, scooter, or rider there.
When the vehicle you want to overtake is itself overtaking (tripling), except on a lane with three or more lanes in your direction.

You may never cross a continuous white line to overtake.

Sign C35: the overtaking prohibition

Overtaking prohibited Under this sign, you may not overtake cars, trucks, or motorcycles with sidecars. You may pass a two-wheeled motorcycle without a sidecar and cyclists. The prohibition ends at sign C37 (end of overtaking prohibition) or at the next intersection.

How do you safely overtake a cyclist?

You may overtake a cyclist or moped rider, but keep a sufficient lateral distance. If you cannot maintain that distance? Then wait until it is safe to do so.

1 mwithin the built-up area

1.5 moutside the built-up area

And on your theory exam?

Overtaking errors are part of the serious violations: a wrong answer to an overtaking question can cost you 5 points instead of 1. With only 9 points of leeway (you need 41 out of 50), this is important material. Also read serious violations on the theory exam.

Frequently asked questions

Only in two cases: if the vehicle in front is turning left and has moved to the left, and when passing a tram.

Usually yes. The prohibition and sign C35 apply to motor vehicles, not to regular bicycles. However, maintain the correct lateral distance.

Overtaking prohibited for motor vehicles. It applies until sign C37 or until the next intersection.

Not at intersections with right of way from the right or where you must yield (B1 or B5). It is allowed on a priority road.

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Last updated: June 2026 · Content verified by Mathieu, instructor · Source: the Belgian Highway Code

Overtaking in Belgium