Overtaking and U-turns prohibited

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Signs C35 and C33: where overtaking and U-turns are banned, over what distance, and the exceptions the Belgian code allows.

Coverage, Overtaking and U-turns prohibited

Lesson objectives

Identify overtaking and U-turn prohibition signs, and understand their scope Know the locations and conditions where these prohibitions apply Correctly apply these rules in practical and theoretical examinations

The prohibition on overtaking

C35

From sign C35 until the next intersection inclusive, it is forbidden to overtake on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels. You may still overtake bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles without sidecars. The prohibition applies until signal C37 or the next intersection.

The signal C35 prohibits, from the signal onwards and until the next intersection inclusive, overtaking on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels . Read the formula backwards to understand what it allows: under a C35, you can still overtake a bicycle, a two-wheeled moped or a two-wheeled motorcycle, since none of these vehicles has more than two wheels and none is towed. A C35 is therefore not a general prohibition on overtaking.

C37

C37, End of the prohibition provided for by signal C35. Overtaking on the left becomes possible again, but only where general rules permit it: article 17.2 still prohibits it at a level crossing signalled by an A45 or A47 without barriers or lights, at intersections where right-of-way applies, when approaching the top of a hill and in bends when visibility is insufficient, when the driver ahead of you is overtaking themselves, and when they are slowing down or stopping before a pedestrian or cyclist crossing not regulated by an officer or traffic lights.

The sign C37 marks the end of prohibition C35 . From this sign onwards, overtaking on the left is permitted again, in compliance with the usual rules of traffic.

C39

C39, From the signal onwards until the next intersection inclusive, prohibition for drivers of vehicles or vehicle combinations intended for the transport of goods whose maximum authorised mass exceeds 3,500 kg, to overtake on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels. C39 therefore concerns neither private cars, nor coaches, nor vans whose MMA does not exceed 3.5 tonnes. And the truck in question may also still overtake a two-wheeler.

The signal C39 transposes the prohibition of C35 to a single category: vehicles and vehicle combinations intended for the transport of goods whose MMA exceeds 3,500 kg . For them, it is forbidden to overtake on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels, from the signal until the next intersection inclusive. Two consequences that the examination likes to ask about: the private car is not concerned by a C39, and the truck that is may nevertheless overtake a cyclist or a motorcycle.

C41

Sign C41 signals the end of the overtaking prohibition for trucks. Heavy vehicles may overtake again, respecting the usual safety rules: good visibility, appropriate road markings and sufficient distance.

The sign C41 marks the end of prohibition C39 . Heavy vehicles may overtake again, in compliance with the usual rules.

Overtaking on the left

Overtaking means passing in front of a driver in motion travelling in the same direction. Article 16.1 clarifies this: overtaking is only considered in relation to drivers in motion, passing alongside a stationary or parked vehicle is not overtaking. Whether or not you cross the white line is not part of the definition: you can overtake on a multi-lane road without ever approaching the centre line.

Situation of prohibited overtaking on ordinary road

The prohibition on U-turns

C33

C33, U-turn prohibited. From this sign onwards and until the next intersection inclusive, you cannot make a U-turn. Continue on your route and find another place to reverse your direction of travel, such as a roundabout or the next intersection.

The sign C33 prohibits all drivers (including cyclists) from making a U-turn. This prohibition applies from the sign until the next intersection inclusive . You cannot reverse your direction of travel to go back in the opposite direction, even if you have missed an exit or destination.

U-turn

A manoeuvre that consists of completely reversing the direction of travel to go back in the opposite direction. It is a manoeuvre prohibited in many places for safety reasons.

Scope of C33: the prohibition on U-turns runs from the sign until the next intersection inclusive . Beyond this intersection, the U-turn becomes possible where it can be done safely, unless a new C33 is placed. On motorways and on roads for motor vehicles: U-turns are prohibited without any sign being necessary, this is article 21.4, 2° for motorways, made applicable to roads for motor vehicles by article 22.2 . It is not article 5, which deals with the obligation to comply with traffic signs.

Intersection with U-turn prohibition

Conditions and locations of application

Signals C33, C35 and C39 do not remove general prohibitions: they add to them. Even without any signal, article 17.2 prohibits overtaking on the left a towed vehicle, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels: on a level crossing signalled by an A45 or A47, unless it is equipped with barriers or controlled by lights; in intersections where right-of-way applies , and in other intersections for those who must give way; at the approach to the top of a hill and in bends when visibility is insufficient, except if overtaking can be done without crossing the continuous white line ; when the driver being overtaken is themselves overtaking a vehicle other than a two-wheeler, except on a road with three or more lanes in the direction followed; when approaching or stopping before a pedestrian or cyclist crossing not controlled by an officer or by lights; in case of precipitation , on motorway, motor road and road with at least four lanes, for goods transport vehicles whose MMA exceeds 7.5 tonnes .

At the exam: the difference between C35 and C39 is not "all vehicles" versus "heavy vehicles". Both signals prohibit exactly the same manoeuvre, overtaking on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels, but C35 addresses all drivers and C39 only vehicles for the transport of goods with MMA over 3,500 kg. Under a C39, your car can overtake; under a C35, it can still overtake a cyclist or a motorcycle. In real driving: between a C33 and the next intersection, do not look for a "discreet" place to make a U-turn: the prohibition covers the entire section, including property accesses.

C35 : to all drivers, from the signal to the next intersection inclusive, prohibition of overtaking on the left a towed vehicle or a vehicle with more than two wheels . Two-wheelers remain overtakeable. C37 : end of the prohibition provided by C35. C39 : the same prohibition, but addressed only to vehicles and vehicle combinations used for the transport of goods whose MMA exceeds 3,500 kg . C41 : end of the prohibition provided by C39. C33 : prohibition of making a U-turn, to all drivers, from the signal to the next intersection inclusive. C31a and C31b : at the next intersection, prohibition of turning in the direction of the arrow. C46 : end of all local prohibitions imposed on moving vehicles. On motorway and motor road, U-turn is prohibited without a signal (art. 21.4, 2° and 22.2). Article 17.2 prohibits overtaking in six situations, signal or not.

What's next?

First complete the quiz of this lesson to validate your knowledge, then practise on the exam simulator and the MCQs . You have completed this module. Next module: Prohibited stopping and parking .

BelgianLicenses

You know the theory; it remains to practise. The simulator is your best ally.