Road Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Why signs matter for riders
Belgian traffic signs follow the Vienna system: danger signs are triangular with a red border, prohibition signs are round with a red border, mandatory signs are round and blue, and information signs are square or rectangular. In built-up areas danger signs are normally placed about 50 m before the hazard, outside built-up areas about 150 m. A question may test exactly this distance, so learn both figures.
Priority signs
Learn the difference between B1 (give way) and B5 (stop). A stop sign always requires a full stop at the stop line, even if the road is visibly clear; a give-way sign only requires yielding. B9 marks priority road status, and B15 warns of a priority road ending. At a crossroads the priority-to-the-right rule applies only when no sign, marking or light says otherwise.
Signals and markings
Traffic lights follow the usual order, but remember flashing amber: proceed with caution, priority rules apply. A green arrow means only traffic in that direction may move. Road markings carry legal force: a continuous white line may not be crossed, a broken line may, and a stop line or give-way line pairs with its sign. Cycle lanes, bus lanes and edge lines matter for positioning.
Traps in exam questions
Common traps: confusing a prohibition sign with a mandatory one; assuming a stop sign is a give-way sign; treating a danger sign as valid at any distance; ignoring that a sign overrides the priority-to-the-right rule; and forgetting that a police officer's signals override lights and signs.
Rule of thumb
If a sign is round and red, something is forbidden; round and blue, something is ordered. Triangular means warning. Worked example: you approach a crossroads with no sign and no light, and a car comes from your right - you yield, because the default is priority to the right.