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Driving Tips in Belgium
Driving Tips
Car Hire Depot information in Belgium
A car hire with DriveAway offers convenience and freedom on your holiday in Belgium. Our reputable suppliers offer competitive rates amongst a wide range of vehicles and destinations.
Car Hire Driving Distances in Belgium
- Antwerp to Brussels – 55 kms (45 mins)
- Gent to Antwerp – 60 kms (45mins)
- Antwerp to Amsterdam, Netherlands – 160 kms (1 hr / 45mins)
- Brussels to Brugge – 100 kms (1 hr / 10 mins)
Driving Licence
A full valid driver’s licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An international drivers licence is required.
Age Restrictions
Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.
Road Rules, Laws and Regulations
General driving rules and regulations in Belgium;
- Vehicles must drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Overtake others on the left hand side.
- Drivers must giveway to traffic joining from the left when approaching a roundabout, unless signed.
- Trams have priority in Belgium.
- Mobile phones are prohibted while driving, unless when a hands-free unit is used.
- Seat Belts must be used by all occupants.
- Dipped headlights must be used throughout the day.
- A valid drivers licence is to be held by the driver at all times while driving.
Equipment
The following equipment are required to be kept in your vehicle and to be used at appropriate times;
- Reflective Vest; to be used when exiting the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
- Fire Extinguisher; easily accessible from the drivers seat.
- Warning Triangle; to warn following traffic.
- First Aid Kit
Child Safety Seats
Children under the age of 3 must be seated in an appropriate child restraint in the rear seats of the vehicle. Children between the ages of 3-12 or with a height of up to 1.35m are required to be seated in a proper restraint.
Speed Limits
Speed Camera's, traps and unmarked police are used to catch speeding motorists, if found speeding heavy fines apply.
Speed limits are as follows, unless signed;
- Urban (Built Up Areas): 50km/h (30km/h in school areas)
- National Roads: 70-90km/h
- Motorways: 120km/h
Drink Driving
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Belgium is 0.05g/100ml. Anyone found above the legal limit face hefty fines and possible imprisonment.
Tolls
There is no toll charged on Belgium's motorways, except for the Antwerp Liefkenshoek Tunnel.
Road Signs
Road Signs in Belgium are very similar to other European countries but with slight variance.Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. These signs can be identified in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are displayed with a blue background and white text providing motorists with information.
Parking
Blue-Zone parking system is used a lot in many Belgium cities. Whilist parking in a blue-zone a blue parking card must be displayed which can be purchased at petrol stations, newsagents and police stations. Parking is not allowed within 15 meters of a tram, bus or rail stop or near rail lines; where a yellow line is indicated and busy streets marked with a red triangle.
Visa Information
Visa, Passport and entry requirements for New Zealanders visiting Belgium;
- New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Belgium for stays up to 3 months.
- A valid passport is required to enter into Belgium with at-least 6 months validity.
- Return/Onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.
*Please note driving distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.
Last Updated 8 Oct 2010