Driving Abroad – Belgiume – Car Insurance

Driving in Belgium can be very enjoyable because it has such an impressive, toll-free motorway network that is adequately lit with street lighting.

Even though it could be so easy just to cruise straight through the country in a car, whilst there you must make the most of it and stop occasionally to take in the amazing countryside and culture of this country.

Driving on the Roads of Belgium
Even though it is extremely easy to get around in Belgium, there are some things that you should be made aware of before you travel. Drivers in Belgium always give way to the right and a satellite navigation system would definitely come in handy as road signs are written in both French and Flemish and can be extremely difficult to navigate with when using a basic map.

The Belgium authorities have increased the amount of speed traps and cameras in recent months and if you are caught, you can expect to receive an on-the-spot fine. If you can not pay the fine then it is likely that the fine amount will increase and your car will be impounded.

In Belgium drink driving carries a number of different penalties depending on the severity of the offence. If your reading hits 50 mg you will be fined around €140 and have your licence confiscated for at least 3 hours. If your reading exceeds 80mg then you will receive a greater fine of around €550 and will have your licence confiscated for 6 hours. If the authorities think that your case is serious enough then they will arrest you and you could face a fine of up to €11,000. Its simple really DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE in Belgium.

Sites worth Seeing
Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie are a group of around 22 villages in southern Belgium. You can view all of these small villages by driving along one route. Viewing these villages really does give you a good insight into Belgium’s culture and how the natives live their lives.

Road Laws in Belgium

Everyone inside the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times.
Passengers under 18 years of age and less than 1.35m tall must use an approved seat restraint at all times whilst in the car. A third child may use the back seat with a standard seatbelt only if two child seats are already in use in the back and there’s not enough room for a third.
Dipped headlights must be used in poor light conditions.
A warning triangle must be carried with you at all times.
Always give way to the right unless indicated otherwise by road signs.
Do not use horns in built-up areas, except in emergencies.
Trams always have the right of way.
Dial 100 in the event of an emergency.
If you are caught using a mobile phone whilst driving you will be fined.
Motorcyclists must dip their headlights during the day and wear a crash helmet at all times. This includes any passengers.

Standard Speed Limits

School Areas – 30 Km/h (20 mph)
Urban Areas – 50 Km/h (30 mph)
Outside Built Up Areas – 90 Km/h (55 mph)
Dual Carriageways – 120 Km/h (75 mph)
Motorways – 120 Km/h (75 mph)

Facts From The Locals

When sitting in stationary traffic, the law states that you should turn your engine off unless it is unsafe to do so.

In many built up areas you will find designated blue zones. These blue zones indicate parking spaces that you may park in as long as you have purchased a disc from a petrol, service or police station.

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