Traffic lights in Belgium: every rule explained
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Traffic lights come up in almost every Belgian category B theory exam. The rules look simple, but the exam tests the details: the amber light, flashing amber, green arrows, tram and cycle signals, and the order of precedence between a police officer, the lights and road signs.
Key points
Amber is not an extended green
On a steady amber light you must stop, unless you are too close to stop safely.
The order of precedence
An authorised officer overrides traffic lights, and traffic lights override priority signs and priority to the right.
No right turn on red
In Belgium red means stop. Only cyclists may go through, and only where an additional sign allows it.
What each colour means
A red light forbids crossing the stop line or, if there is none, the light itself. A steady amber light also requires you to stop, unless you are so close when it comes on that you can no longer stop safely. A green light lets you go, but never removes the duty to give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing lawfully.
A classic trap: the light is green but the junction is congested. You must not drive in if you risk being stuck in the middle and blocking crossing traffic.
| Light | Meaning | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Steady red | Stop before the stop line | Also when turning right |
| Steady amber | Stop, unless you can no longer do so safely | Speeding up to get through |
| Green | You may proceed | Give way to pedestrians when turning; do not block the junction |
| Flashing amber | Proceed with care | Normal priority rules apply |
Flashing amber, arrows and special signals
A flashing amber light means the signal no longer controls traffic: you may proceed with particular care, and priority signs apply or, without signs, priority to the right. Candidates get this question wrong very often.
Arrow-shaped lights only apply to the direction shown. A green arrow may light up while the main light is red: you may then turn in the direction of the arrow, giving way to traffic from other directions and to pedestrians.
- Cycle signals: a bicycle symbol means they apply to cyclists only.
- Pedestrian signals: the red figure forbids starting to cross.
- Tram and bus signals: white bars replace the colours; they do not apply to cars.
- Level crossing: two alternately flashing red lights absolutely forbid crossing.
Can you turn right on red in Belgium?
Not in a car. Unlike some countries, Belgium does not allow turning right on red. Only cyclists (and speed pedelecs) may pass a red light to turn right or go straight on, and only where an additional sign under the light allows it; they must then give way to other road users.
Who wins when signals contradict each other?
The order never changes: an authorised officer's signals come before traffic lights, traffic lights come before road signs, and road signs come before general rules such as priority to the right. If an officer waves you on while the light is red, you follow the officer.
Read more in our guide to Belgian priority rules and our page on priority to the right.
Practise this topic with real exam questions
Reading a rule is not enough: in the Belgian theory exam every question is asked on a photo of a real traffic situation, with answers that look deliberately alike. On PermisBelges, every topic of the highway code is practised with questions in the GOCA exam format, each one corrected and explained.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do when the light turns amber?
Stop, unless you are too close to the light to stop safely. Speeding up to get through is a fault.
Is flashing amber a priority rule?
No. The light no longer controls traffic: follow the priority signs or, without signs, priority to the right.
Can you turn right on red in Belgium?
No, unless you are a cyclist and an additional sign under the light allows it.
A green arrow together with a red light: what now?
You may turn in the direction of the arrow, giving way to other road users and pedestrians.
Do traffic lights override road signs?
Yes. Only an authorised officer overrides traffic lights.
Further reading
- Belgian road signs
- Car lights rules in Belgium
- Priority rules in Belgium: who goes first?
- Stopping distance formula, explained step by step
- How to pass the Belgian driving theory test first time
- The drink-driving limit in Belgium: rules and penalties
- Free Belgian theory test
- Theory exam simulation
- The Belgian highway code
- Plans and pricing