Overview
This course covers the maximum speed limits on Belgian roads, the legal consequences in case of exceeding them, and the distinction between immediate withdrawal and driving disqualification.
Speed Limits in Belgium
- On highways: maximum speed 120 km/h, minimum 70 km/h.
- Roads for automobiles and other 2x2 lane roads with central reservation: 120 km/h outside built-up areas.
- 2x2 lane roads separated by a marking: 90 km/h (Flanders/Wallonia outside built-up areas).
- Single central lane road outside built-up areas: 70 km/h (Brussels), 90 km/h (Flanders/Wallonia).
- In built-up areas: 50 km/h (all regions).
- Meeting zone: 20 km/h.
- Street reserved for play, school street, school surroundings: 30 km/h.
- Pedestrian or cycling zone: 30 km/h unless otherwise indicated.
- On raised device: 30 km/h.
- Certain authorized roads: 25 km/h according to signage.
Speed-Related Offenses
- Driving too slowly or braking suddenly without reason is also an offense.
- Speed races and encouraging speeding are serious offenses.
Sanctions in Case of Exceeding
- Immediate withdrawal of the license by the police:
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30 km/h above the limit on highway, ordinary road.
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20 km/h above in built-up area, zone 30 or residential.
- Driving disqualification (judge's decision):
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40 km/h above on highway, ordinary road.
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30 km/h above in built-up area, zone 30 or residential.
- Duration: 8 days to 5 years, also for vehicles without a license.
Difference Between Sanctions
- Immediate withdrawal: decided by the Public Prosecutor, executed by the police.
- Driving disqualification: decided by a judge in court.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Central reservation — physical separation between two directions of traffic on the road.
- Built-up area — defined urban zone where reduced speeds apply.
- Immediate withdrawal — suspension of the license on the spot by the police.
- Driving disqualification — driving ban decided by the court.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the 5-minute video on the website.
- Learn the road signs related to the lesson.
- Answer the associated practical questions before moving on to the next lesson.