Motoring regulations in Belgium

In Belgium, you drive on the right side of the road; with a few specific exceptions, seatbelts are required for all passengers; cars 4 years of age and older are required to be checked every year to make sure they are roadworthy; number plates are insurance and driver specific. As long as you remain the main driver, and you keep the same insurance company, you keep your number plate.

Number plate design

Number plate is white background with red numbers and letters, except for motorcycle plates which have black numbers and letters on a yellow background. Usually a three-letter combination followed by a three number combination: "AAA 111" (there are still many "old" number plates in use: one letter/four numbers or two letters/three numbers in various combinations)

Speed Limits

Unless stated otherwise

• Highways: 120 km/h (75 mph)
• Regional roads: 90 km/h (56 mph) - In reality the speed limit on regional roads has been reduced to 70 km/h (50 mph)
• Within City Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Slow zones: 30 km/h (19 mph)

Speeding fines

Fines usually start at 11 km/h above speed limit. When caught, the offender can choose to settle and pay the fine or dispute the offence before a court. If, however, the offender is travelling at 40 km/h or more above the speed limit, the offender's driving license will immediately be revoked for at least two weeks. The offender will also be required to go to court and cannot settle beforehand (the 40-km/h rule stands when there is good weather; less under bad weather conditions). As of January 1, 2003, there will theoretically be zero-tolerance regarding speed offences.

Alcohol limit when driving

• 0.5 per thousand