Belgium AM Theory flashcards
Belgium AM Theory · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Priority to the right
- Rule applying at junctions without signs, markings or lights: the rider must yield to vehicles coming from the right. It does not apply to vehicles emerging from a private driveway.
- STOP sign obligation
- An octagonal red sign requires a complete stop at the stop line, followed by yielding to traffic on the crossing road before proceeding.
- Class AM speed limit
- A moped of class AM has a maximum design speed of 45 km/h. Riding faster than the vehicle's approved limit is not permitted.
- Built-up area limit
- The general speed limit inside a built-up area is 50 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise, such as a 30 km/h zone.
- Following distance in rain
- In dry weather a two-second gap is a minimum. In rain the gap should be at least four seconds because braking distance roughly doubles.
- Dooring hazard
- A parked car's door can open suddenly into the rider's path. Keep a door's width away from parked cars or slow down enough to react.
- Blind spot risk
- A moped can disappear from a car driver's mirrors. Avoid lingering beside a vehicle, especially near the driver's door where a turn may occur.
- Slippery road surfaces
- Wet paint, tram rails, gravel and manhole covers reduce grip sharply. Cross them upright, without braking or turning hard.
- Moped braking systems
- A moped requires a service brake and a separate secondary or parking brake that can hold the vehicle stationary on a slope.
- Moped tyre tread
- Tyres must have at least 1 mm tread depth in the main grooves and show no cuts, bulges or exposed cords.
- Moped lighting
- A moped needs a white front light, a red rear light, a brake light, a red rear reflector and a horn audible at a reasonable distance.
- Exhaust modification
- Fitting a non-approved exhaust or removing the restrictor makes the moped non-compliant, can fail inspection and may void insurance cover.
- Helmet fastening
- A helmet protects only when the chin strap is tight. A loose strap allows the helmet to rotate or come off during a crash.
- Rider gloves
- Abrasion-resistant gloves protect the hands, which usually strike the ground first in a fall. Knuckle protection reduces impact injury.
- Passenger on a moped
- A passenger may ride only on a proper seat with footrests, must wear an approved helmet, and the moped must be approved for two people.
- Eye protection
- A visor or goggles keep wind, insects and debris out of the eyes. Impaired vision at speed can cause a loss of control.
- Belgian alcohol limit
- The legal blood alcohol limit for riders is 0.5 g/L. Riders within two years of obtaining their licence have a limit of 0.2 g/L.
- Medication warning pictogram
- A red or orange triangle on a medicine package warns that it may impair driving. Check the leaflet and ask a pharmacist before riding.
- Drug driving testing
- Riding under the influence of illegal drugs is prohibited. Police may take a saliva sample and require a blood test; refusal is an offence.
- Fitness to ride
- Fatigue, illness and stress slow reactions and reduce balance just as alcohol does. The legal limit is not a safety threshold.
- Emergency number
- 112 is the free emergency number across the EU. Give the location, the number of casualties and the nature of the injuries.
- Helmet removal at a crash
- Do not remove an injured rider's helmet unless necessary to keep the airway open; moving the head can worsen a spinal injury.
- Controlling severe bleeding
- Apply firm direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing. Do not remove an object embedded in a wound; press around it instead.
- Protecting the scene
- At an accident, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle where safe and wear a high-visibility vest before assisting casualties.
- Smooth riding and fuel
- Gentle acceleration and anticipatory braking reduce fuel consumption, emissions and mechanical wear compared with harsh stop-and-go riding.
- Two-stroke oil
- A two-stroke engine needs oil mixed with fuel or supplied from a separate reservoir. Running without oil destroys the engine and causes heavy smoke.
- Used oil disposal
- Used engine oil, batteries and tyres must go to a recycling point. Pouring oil into drains or household waste pollutes soil and water.
- Noise pollution
- An approved exhaust with an intact silencer limits noise. Removing the baffle increases noise, is illegal and disturbs residents.
- Riding without insurance
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for a moped. Riding uninsured is an offence carrying heavy fines and possible vehicle immobilisation.
- Moped registration plate
- A moped must be registered and display a yellow plate that is fixed, legible and not obscured by dirt or accessories.
- Certificate of conformity
- This document proves the moped matches its approved type. A modified vehicle may be refused at technical inspection for lacking conformity.
- Periodic technical inspection
- Mopeds in Belgium are subject to periodic technical inspection. The owner receives a summons and must present the vehicle for checking.