Speed Limits, Road Classifications and Breakdown Recovery

Understand the different speed limits and types of road in Belgium, plus who to call following a breakdown or accident...

Most Belgian roads are in good condition with satisfactory lighting; some highways/autoroutes are very well lit.
  • Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available from Touring Tel: 070 344 777
  • Belgian police also provide information on road conditions Tel: 02 642 66 66
  • For travel information for all of Belgium Tel: 0900 10 280
  • For information on all types of roads, visit Autosnelwegen

Motorways (Autoroute/Autobaan)

  • The speed limit (limite de vitesse/snelheidsbeperking) on Belgian motorways is 120 Km/h
  • There is a toll for the Antwerp Liefkenshoek Tunnel
  • Motorways are signposted with a white E on a green background
  • Motorways have service stations with fuel, snack shops and washrooms available. Some also have information points and repair garages
  • Passing on the right is illegal
  • Orange SOS phones are provided at regular intervals to call for assistance

National roads

  • Main roads have a speed limit of between 70 Km/h and 90 Km/h
  • Passing on the right (the inside) is illegal
  • National roads are marked with the letter N and a number

Built-up areas

On entering any town or village, the speed limit comes into effect at the white background signboard bearing the community's name. Radar speed traps are common.
  • Speed limits are generally 50 Km/h in built-up areas; any additional restrictions will be signposted
  • There is a speed restriction of 30 Km/h in school areas, valid all day

Speed Limits

Speed traps, cameras and unmarked police vehicles are used throughout the country to catch speeding motorists. Belgium has a high accident rate, mainly due to speeding. Traffic control authorities (autorités de contrôle du traffic/verkeersinspectie) are strict, issuing heavy speeding fines on the spot. Speed limits are as follows, unless otherwise indicated:
  • Built-up areas: 50 Km/h (30 Km/h in school areas)
  • National Roads: between 70 Km/h and 90 Km/h
  • Motorways: 120 Km/h
Speeding is heavily fined.

Breakdown Assistance

Orange emergency telephones are provided on motorways to call for assistance. A number of organisations provide assistance in case of breakdown. Note: If a driver not resident in Belgium has a breakdown or accident and is a member of an automobile association in their own country (such as the AA or RAC), they may find reciprocal agreements with garages and institutions in Belgium. Check with the association before departure.
    Most Belgian roads are in good condition with satisfactory lighting; some highways/autoroutes are very well lit. Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available from Touring Tel: 070 344 777 Belgian police also provide information on road conditions Tel: 02 642 66 66 For travel information for all of Belgium Tel: 0900 10 280 For information on all types of roads, visit Autosnelwegen Motorways (Autoroute/Autobaan) The speed limit (limite de vitesse/snelheidsbeperking) on Belgian motorways is 120 Km/h Belgium's motorways are toll free until 2016 There is a toll for the Antwerp Liefkenshoek Tunnel Motorways are signposted with a white E on a green background Motorways have service stations with fuel, snack shops and washrooms available. Some also have information points and repair garages Passing on the right is illegal Orange SOS phones are provided at regular intervals to call for assistance National roads Main roads have a speed limit of between 70 Km/h and 90 Km/h Passing on the right (the inside) is illegal National roads are marked with the letter N and a number Built-up areas On entering any town or village, the speed limit comes into effect at the white background signboard bearing the community's name. Radar speed traps are common. Speed limits are generally 50 Km/h in built-up areas; any additional restrictions will be signposted There is a speed restriction of 30 Km/h in school areas, valid all day Speed Limits Speed traps, cameras and unmarked police vehicles are used throughout the country to catch speeding motorists. Belgium has a high accident rate, mainly due to speeding. Traffic control authorities (autorités de contrôle du traffic/verkeersinspectie) are strict, issuing heavy speeding fines on the spot. Speed limits are as follows, unless otherwise indicated: Built-up areas: 50 Km/h (30 Km/h in school areas) National Roads: between 70 Km/h and 90 Km/h Motorways: 120 Km/h Speeding is heavily fined. For more information on fines on speeding: Click here (in French) Breakdown Assistance Orange emergency telephones are provided on motorways to call for assistance. A number of organisations provide assistance in case of breakdown. The Royal Automobile Club de Belgique (website in French and Dutch) At: Rue d'Arlon 53, 1040 Brussels Tel: 02 287 09 11 Breakdown service Tel: 07 815 20 00 Fax: 02 230 75 84 Vlaamse Automobilistenbond – VTB/VAB At: Pastoor Coplaan 100 - 2070 Zwijndrecht Tel: 03 253 61 30 Breakdown service Tel: 070 22 40 30 email Touring Club de Belgique (website in French and Dutch) At: Rue de la Loi 44, 1040 Brussels Tel: 02 233 22 02 Breakdown Tel: 07 034 47 77 Note: If a driver not resident in Belgium has a breakdown or accident and is a member of an automobile association in their own country (such as the AA or RAC), they may find reciprocal agreements with garages and institutions in Belgium. Check with the association before departure.