The most common signs

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The danger signs you will meet most often on Belgian roads: bends, slippery surface, roadworks and pedestrian crossings.

Cover, The most common signs

Lesson objectives

Recognize the most frequent danger signs on Belgian roads (bends, junctions, works, animals) Understand the meaning of each sign and adapt your driving accordingly Master the placement distances of signs and associated overtaking restrictions

Danger signs: general principles

Danger signs are triangular with a red border on a white background. They warn you of an imminent danger on the road. As seen previously, these signs are placed at an approximate distance of 150 m from the danger. An additional sign may indicate a different distance or the length of the dangerous section.

Dangerous bends

Dangerous bends are signaled when their radius or visibility makes them risky. Slow down before entering them and maintain your trajectory. A clarification on overtaking: article 17.2, 3° prohibits overtaking on the left of a towed vehicle, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels when approaching the top of a hill and in bends, when visibility is insufficient , unless the overtaking can be done without crossing the continuous white line . So it is not the bend that prohibits: it is the lack of visibility, and the prohibition applies on a sufficiently wide road.

A1a

Warning, dangerous left turn. This sign announces a left turn that presents a danger, either due to its tight radius or due to poor visibility. You must slow down before entering it, stay well in your lane and avoid overtaking. A vehicle may emerge in the opposite direction at the exit of the turn.

A1b

A1b, Dangerous right turn. This sign announces a right turn considered dangerous. Slow down well before entering it, keep your vehicle in your lane and remain vigilant at the exit, as a vehicle may appear head-on if it has cut its turn.

A1c

A1c, Double turn or succession of more than two turns, the first to the left. Several turns follow in a zigzag pattern, starting with the left. Ease off before the first turn and maintain a moderate speed until the end of the series.

A1d

Double bend or succession of more than two bends, the first to the right. The road will wind starting to the right. Slow down and remain vigilant over the entire area, even between bends. Avoid any overtaking.

Dangerous turn with reduced visibility

Intersections and road narrowing

When approaching an intersection, article 17.2, 2° prohibits overtaking on the left of a towed vehicle, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels, distinguishing two cases: a) at intersections where right-of-way applies: the prohibition applies to all drivers; b) at other intersections: it only applies to drivers who must give way in accordance with article 12.3.1. In other words, on a priority road you can still overtake when approaching the intersection; at a right-of-way intersection, no one can.

A7a

Sign A7a: road narrowing on both sides. The width of the road decreases on the left and right. Slow down, center your vehicle on the lane and be attentive to oncoming vehicles, as there will be less space to pass.

A7b

A7b, Road narrowing on the left side. The left lane narrows. If you are driving there, carefully move to the right. Indicate and check your blind spot before changing lanes.

A7c

A7c, Road narrowing. The roadway narrows on one side. Slow down, reposition yourself in time and watch for oncoming vehicles. Not to be confused with the lane reduction of article 12bis, which assumes a traffic lane that ends and heavily reduced traffic: a road narrowing falls under the obstacle rule of article 15.2, or signals B19 and B21 if applicable.

Construction work

Signal A31 announces construction work. Reduce your speed and respect temporary signage. The legal point to remember is article 73.4 : temporary orange markings, lines or studs, have the same meaning as their white equivalents and override white markings traced in the same place. They do not add to them: they cancel them.

A31

A31, Construction work. Construction is underway on the roadway or nearby. Reduce your speed, respect temporary signage and be alert to workers and construction vehicles that may enter or exit the work area.

Construction zone with temporary orange signage

Animals on the road

Two signals distinguish animals: A27 for large game, A29 for livestock. In both cases, article 10.3 applies directly: "Any driver must slow down when approaching draft animals, pack animals, riding animals, or livestock on the public road. He must stop when these animals show signs of fear." This is supplemented by article 33 on sound warnings: honking near a horse is exactly what you should not do.

A27

A27, Large game crossing. The letter A designates the series of danger signals, not a motorway. Deer and wild boar cross mainly at dawn, dusk and night, and rarely alone: if one animal crosses, wait for the others. In case of unavoidable collision, brake firmly without swerving.

A29

A29, Livestock crossing. Danger signal, unrelated to a numbered road. Cattle, horses or sheep may occupy the roadway, often driven by a shepherd. Article 10.3 requires slowing down and stopping if the animals show signs of fear; do not use the sound warning.

Large game

Deer, wild boar or other wild animals likely to cross the road, particularly active at night.

Livestock

Cattle, horses, sheep or other farm animals, often guided by a shepherd or rider.

Other common hazards

Other signs warn of specific hazards: steep descents, steep climbs, slippery road, pedestrian and cyclist crossings, or level crossings. Each requires an adjustment to your driving.

A3

A3, Steep descent. The road will descend sharply. A percentage indicates the gradient, for example ten percent. Downshift before the descent to use engine braking and maintain a good distance from the vehicle in front of you. Avoid continuous braking, as the brakes risk overheating.

A5

A5, Steep climb. A significant hill awaits you. Downshift to maintain power and be patient, as heavy vehicles and buses may travel much more slowly. Do not attempt to overtake blindly at the top of the hill.

A15

A15, Slippery road. The road may be particularly slippery in case of rain, ice, gravel or fallen leaves. Avoid sudden braking and sharp steering movements. Increase safety distances and adapt your speed to conditions.

A21

A21, Pedestrian crossing. A pedestrian crossing is ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop to let people who are crossing or waiting at the roadside pass.

A25

A25, Crossing for cyclists and two-wheeled moped riders, or outlet of a cycle path onto the roadway. Expect to see bicycles or mopeds crossing or entering the road. Slow down and prepare to give way if necessary.

A41

A41, Level crossing with barriers. Danger signal from series A, not a motorway. Article 20.3 prohibits proceeding as soon as the barriers are moving or closed, as soon as the red lights are flashing, or as soon as the sound signal is operating.

A43

A43, Level crossing without barriers. Danger signal from series A. Article 20.2 requires extra caution and only proceed after ensuring that no rail vehicle is approaching.

At the exam: distinguish the four turn signals, A1a left, A1b right, A1c double turn or succession of more than two turns the first to the left, A1d the first to the right. And remember the exact wording of the overtaking prohibition: it targets overtaking on the left of a towed vehicle, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels , never that of a bicycle, and it falls away, at the top of a hill as in a turn, if the overtaking can be done without crossing the continuous white line .

Sign distance: danger signs are placed approximately 150 m from the hazard. Signs A45 and A47 (level crossings) are exceptions: they are placed at or in the immediate vicinity of the crossing. An additional sign may indicate a different distance or the length of the hazardous section.

Triangle with red border on white background = danger signal. It warns, it does not prohibit. Curves : A1a, A1b, A1c, A1d. Overtaking is prohibited when approaching the top of a hill and on curves when visibility is insufficient , except if it can be done without crossing the solid line (art. 17.2, 3°). Intersections : overtaking is prohibited where the right-of-way rule applies, and for those who must yield (art. 17.2, 2°). Road narrowing : A7a, A7b, A7c, obstacle rule of article 15.2, or signals B19 and B21. Works : A31, and orange markings that cancel the white ones (art. 73.4). Animals : A27 large game, A29 livestock, slow down, and stop if the animals show signs of fear (art. 10.3). Placement : approximately 150 m , except A45 and A47 placed at the level crossing (art. 66.2).

What now?

First take the quiz of this lesson to validate your knowledge, then practice on the exam simulator and the MCQs . You have completed this module. Next module: React correctly .

BelgianLicenses

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