Traffic Rules and Priority (Right of Way)
The default rule and its exceptions
Belgium's default priority rule is priority to the right: at an intersection with no signs or markings, you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. This is the single most tested concept, and the most common error is applying it where a sign or marking has already decided priority.
Work through priority in this order:
- Traffic lights or a police officer override everything else.
- Signs and markings (give-way line, stop line, priority road) decide between the intersecting roads.
- Only if none of the above exists does priority to the right apply.
A STOP sign requires a complete halt at the line, even if the road is visibly clear. A give-way sign requires you to yield but not necessarily to stop. Turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating unless signs say otherwise.
Traps:
- A road that looks minor may still be a priority road - check for the yellow diamond.
- Priority to the right applies to vehicles, including bicycles and, in some situations, horse riders; do not assume a cyclist must yield just because they are smaller.
- Trams generally have priority over other traffic; do not treat them like cars.
- At a T-junction with no signs, a vehicle emerging from the stem of the T still has priority to the right over traffic on the through road.
Rule of thumb: if you cannot name the sign or marking that gives you priority, assume you must yield.
Worked example: you approach a crossroads with no signs. A car comes from your right, a cyclist from your left. You yield to the car. The cyclist must yield to you, because you are on their right.