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Traffic Rules

Driving on Highways

On a Belgian highway, you drive a minimum of 70 and a maximum of 120 km/h. These are the absolute prohibitions and what to do in case of breakdown.

Mathieu, instructor at eTheory Mathieu, instructor June 2026

On a Belgian highway, you drive a minimum of 70 and a maximum of 120 km/h. Vehicles that cannot safely reach 70 km/h on their own power are not allowed on it. Serious errors on the highway (wrong-way driving, reversing, turning) count as a heavy error of 5 points on the exam.

70 km/hminimum speed
120 km/hmaximum speed
100 mwarning triangle behind your car

Absolute Prohibitions on the Highway

Serious errors on the highway are violations of the fourth degree. Such an error costs 5 points on the exam. It is prohibited under all circumstances to:

Belgian highway with the highway sign F5
Strict, absolute prohibitions apply on the highway.
  • Drive in reverse or against the direction of traffic (wrong-way driving).
  • Make a U-turn through the openings in the median strip.
  • Tow a vehicle with a simple tow rope or cord. A defective car must be towed by a tow truck or leave the highway via the first exit.
  • Hitchhike or walk on the roadway.

In Case of Breakdown or Emergency

Warning triangle behind a car with a breakdown on the emergency lane
Place the warning triangle at 100 meters and wear your reflective vest.

If your vehicle breaks down due to a defect, park it as soon as possible and as far to the right on the emergency lane as possible, against the guardrail. Immediately switch on the four turn signals (hazard lights). Before exiting, put on your reflective vest.

Then place the warning triangle. On the highway, you should place it at least 100 meters behind your vehicle, so that it is visible from about 50 meters to oncoming traffic. Then wait safely behind the guardrail and notify the emergency services.

Frequently Asked Questions

On the highway at least 100 meters behind your vehicle, on regular roads at least 30 meters. It must be visible from about 50 meters.

No, only the driver is required to wear it when exiting the car. It is recommended for passengers.

No, towing with a simple tow rope or cord is prohibited on the highway. A defective car leaves the highway at the first exit or is towed.

Avoid an Expensive Retake on the Exam

Two serious errors and you fail immediately. Prepare smartly with the current theory exams from eTheory, fully compliant with GOCA standards.

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Read more: Speed limits · The emergency lane · All traffic rules

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

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