Belgium Theory B key terms

The default rule at an intersection without signs or markings: you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. In Belgium it applies unless a sign, marking or signal indicates otherwise.

A solid white transverse line painted across your lane at a junction or signal. You must stop before it, not on it, and it marks where a stop sign or red light legally obliges you to halt.

A red octagonal sign marked STOP. It requires a complete halt at the stop line or, if none is visible, at the edge of the crossing road, before giving way to traffic on the priority road.

A downward-pointing red-bordered triangle meaning you must give way to traffic on the crossing road but need not stop if the way is clear. Often paired with a priority-road indicator for the other road.

A yellow diamond with white border indicating the road you are on has right of way at upcoming junctions. A variant with a black strike-through marks the end of that priority status.

In Belgium traffic already circulating on a roundabout usually has priority, signalled by yield signs and shark-teeth markings at each entry. Enter only when a safe gap exists.

A row of white triangles painted across the lane, pointing towards approaching drivers, indicating where to yield. It accompanies a yield sign or marks a roundabout entry.

The order of signals: red, then red plus amber, then green, then amber alone before red. Red means stop; amber alone means stop unless stopping is unsafe; green permits proceeding if the way is clear.

A signal that does not give priority either way; it warns of a hazard such as a pedestrian crossing or malfunctioning lights. Normal priority rules and caution apply, and you may proceed carefully.

A pedestrian crossing marked by broad white stripes. Pedestrians intending to cross have priority once they show that intention; you must slow down and stop to let them pass.

The obligation to yield to pedestrians on or clearly about to use a marked crossing. Approaching drivers must adjust speed so they can stop, and overtaking another vehicle at a crossing is prohibited.

A place-name sign with a white background marking the start of a built-up area. It sets the default urban speed limit, usually 50 km/h, and applies until the matching end-of-area sign.

An area marked by a rectangular sign where the maximum speed is 30 km/h throughout, until an end-of-zone sign. Zones are used near schools, residential streets and shopping areas.

A round white sign with a red border and a black number giving the maximum permitted speed in km/h from that point. It overrides the general limit until cancelled or a new limit appears.

The general maximum on Belgian motorways is 120 km/h in dry conditions, lower in rain or when signed. Minimum speed and lane discipline rules also apply on these roads.

The gap needed to stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. A common guideline is at least two seconds in good conditions, more when wet, dark or following large vehicles.

A practical method for judging following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point and count two seconds before you reach it. Increase the count in rain, at night or on slippery roads.

The total distance travelled from noticing a hazard to coming to rest. It combines thinking distance, covered during reaction time, and braking distance, which grows with the square of speed.

A system that prevents wheels locking under hard braking, preserving steering control. On a powered two-wheeler it is now required for new machines; it does not shorten every stopping distance on loose surfaces.

The legal minimum for car tyres in Belgium is 1.6 mm across the central grooves; moped and motorcycle tyres have their own minimum. Worn tread lengthens braking distance and raises aquaplaning risk.

Loss of tyre contact with the road because a film of water builds under the tread. Steering and braking become ineffective; ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden inputs, and wait for grip to return.

Tyres designed for low temperatures and snow, marked M+S or with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. They improve grip below about seven degrees Celsius but are not a substitute for chains in extreme conditions.

All occupants must wear a seat belt where one is fitted, and children must use an approved child restraint suited to their height and weight. The driver is responsible for ensuring minors are properly restrained.

An approved seat or booster designed for a child's size, required for children below a specified height or age. It must be correctly fitted and matched to the child's weight category.

Riders and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles must wear an approved, correctly fastened helmet. A bicycle helmet is strongly advised for cyclists, especially children, though not compulsory for adults.

Gloves, sturdy jacket, trousers and boots that reduce injury in a fall. High-visibility clothing improves being seen, and eye protection or a visor shields against wind, insects and debris.

Airbags supplement, not replace, seat belts. Keep a safe distance from the steering wheel, never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active passenger airbag, and deactivate it when necessary.

Pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and motorcyclists, who have little physical protection in a collision. Drivers must anticipate their unpredictable movements and give them extra space and time.

The area around a vehicle not visible in the mirrors. Always check over the shoulder before changing lane or pulling out, and be aware that large vehicles have much bigger blind spots.

A style of driving that anticipates errors by others and avoids unnecessary risk. It means scanning ahead, keeping space, adjusting speed to conditions and never assuming another road user has seen you.

The skill of recognising developing dangers early, such as a child near parked cars or a vehicle edging out of a side road. Early recognition buys time to slow down smoothly and plan an escape route.

The general legal maximum blood alcohol concentration for drivers in Belgium is 0.5 per mille, equivalent to 0.22 mg per litre of breath. Novice and professional drivers face a stricter limit of 0.2 per mille.

Driving while affected by alcohol, drugs or impairing medication. It is an offence regardless of whether an accident occurs, and penalties escalate sharply for repeat offences or very high readings.

A roadside screening test of breath alcohol, often a non-evidential breathalyser. Refusing to cooperate is itself punishable and can lead to the same consequences as driving over the limit.

Tiredness that slows reactions and can cause micro-sleeps. Warning signs include yawning, heavy eyelids and drifting lanes; the only real remedy is stopping for rest, ideally a short sleep and fresh air.

The official certificate linking a vehicle to its registered keeper and recording its technical details. It must be kept and produced on request; changes of owner are recorded through it.

Motor third-party liability insurance is legally required to drive in Belgium. It covers damage caused to others, but not your own vehicle or injuries, which need optional comprehensive cover.

Proof that a vehicle passed the periodic roadworthiness test at an approved centre. Cars must be tested at set intervals, and a valid certificate is needed to keep the vehicle legally on the road.

Letters on a licence showing which vehicles may be driven, such as AM for mopeds, A for motorcycles and B for cars. Each has age, training and test conditions, and category B also covers light trailers within limits.