For many riders Belgium is just a transit country on the way to France or the coast. Yet the Ardennes and the High Fens, some of the best riding areas in Western Europe, lie right behind the German border. Riding a motorcycle in Belgium comes with a few rules you won't know from home: protective gear is mandatory, the speed limit depends on the region you're in, and you're officially allowed to filter through traffic jams. Here's the overview.
1. Protective gear is mandatory in Belgium
This is the most important difference from most other countries. According to the German automobile club ADAC, riders and passengers on motorcycles over 50 cc must wear the following in addition to a helmet:
- gloves
- a long-sleeved jacket
- long trousers or an overall
- boots or ankle boots that cover the ankles
The law doesn't prescribe a particular standard, but real motorcycle gear is of course the better choice. If an item is missing, the ADAC says it costs from €58. So a quick summer ride over the border in trainers and jeans is not a good idea. What makes good protective gear is explained in Protection classes A, AA and AAA explained.
2. Speed limits: it depends on the region
Belgium consists of three regions, and the traffic rules differ mainly outside built-up areas. Watch the signs, because the limit often changes at the regional border without much warning.
| Road type | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h | In the Brussels region the default is 30 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas in Flanders | 70 km/h | Unless signed otherwise |
| Outside built-up areas in Wallonia | 90 km/h | This includes the Ardennes |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | Minimum speed 70 km/h |
Fines: According to the ADAC, speeding fines start at around €53 for up to 10 km/h over the limit. For more than 30 km/h over, the range goes up to €4,000, and a riding ban can be added. Police can collect fines from foreign riders on the spot. Radar detectors are banned, and there are many speed cameras and average speed checks, on country roads too.
3. Filtering in traffic jams is allowed
Belgium is one of the few countries where riding between lanes of traffic is expressly regulated. According to the ADAC you may filter through stationary or slow-moving traffic as long as you ride at no more than 50 km/h and are no more than 20 km/h faster than the cars next to you.
This helps especially in rush hour around Brussels and Antwerp. Still ride with care: drivers don't always expect you, and lane changes without indicating happen in Belgium too.
Bus lanes: You may only use them where an additional sign with a motorcycle symbol expressly allows it. Otherwise it costs from €58, according to the ADAC.
4. Alcohol limit, phone and hi-vis vest
- Alcohol: the limit is 0.5 per mille. Checks are frequent, especially at weekends and around festivals.
- Phone: hands-free only, for example via the intercom in your helmet.
- Hi-vis vest: after a breakdown or accident on the motorway and outside built-up areas you must wear a hi-vis vest when you get off, according to the ADAC. Without one, fines start at €58. So pack one for you and one for your passenger.
- First aid kit and warning triangle: not required for motorcycles.
5. Priority to the right is taken seriously
In Belgium, priority to the right (priorité de droite / voorrang van rechts) is applied very consistently, even on bigger roads, as long as no priority sign says otherwise. Locals often pull out of side streets briskly because they're in the right. In towns, always expect someone to come from the right.
6. Brussels low emission zone: motorcycles included
The low emission zone (LEZ) of the Brussels region now also applies to motorcycles and mopeds. According to the official LEZ website, foreign vehicles must register in advance, even if they meet the emission standard. Unregistered vehicles are fined €150, and entering with a non-permitted vehicle costs €350. Check which Euro standard your motorcycle needs before you ride on lez.brussels, because the steps are tightened gradually. Antwerp and Ghent have their own low emission zones, and you'll find the rules on the cities' websites.
7. Tolls: free almost everywhere
Belgian motorways are toll-free for motorcycles. One exception is the Liefkenshoek tunnel in Antwerp, which charges a toll. To save money, take the toll-free Kennedy tunnel, but expect more traffic jams there.
8. Parking and children as passengers
- Parking on the pavement: allowed according to the ADAC if at least 1.50 metres remain free for pedestrians. Otherwise it costs from €116.
- Passenger: needs a registered passenger seat.
- Children: according to the ADAC, children between 3 and 8 may only ride on motorcycles of 125 cc or more and in a suitable child seat, and younger children not at all. Violations cost from €174.
9. Tips for your tour through Belgium
Place names in several languages
In Flanders place names are in Dutch, in Wallonia in French, and in the east around Eupen and Sankt Vith in German. The same destination often has several names: Liège is Luik in Dutch and Lüttich in German, Aachen is Aken on Flemish signs, Mons is Bergen. Set up your sat nav accordingly, or you'll search in vain at the junction.
The best roads
For motorcyclists, Wallonia is the more interesting part. The High Fens with the Signal de Botrange, at 694 metres Belgium's highest point, the valleys of the Amblève, Ourthe and Semois and the area around the Spa-Francorchamps circuit offer endless bends. Concrete routes are in Motorcycle tours in the Eifel and Ardennes.
Road surface
Many minor roads in Wallonia are patched, bumpy or made of concrete slabs with joints. In autumn there's wet leaves and mud from tractors on the road. Plan reserves and don't ride at the limit in the forest.
Frequently asked questions about riding in Belgium
Do I really need a motorcycle jacket in Belgium?
Yes, a long-sleeved jacket is mandatory, plus gloves, long trousers and boots covering the ankles. This applies to riders and passengers on motorcycles over 50 cc. No standard is prescribed, but you're safer in real motorcycle gear.
May I filter between cars in a traffic jam?
Yes, in stationary or slow traffic, as long as you ride at no more than 50 km/h and are no more than 20 km/h faster than the traffic next to you.
How fast may I ride on country roads?
70 km/h in Flanders and 90 km/h in Wallonia unless signed otherwise. In built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h, in the Brussels region generally 30 km/h.
Do I need a vignette?
No, motorways are toll-free for motorcycles. Only the Liefkenshoek tunnel in Antwerp charges a toll.
Do I have to register my motorcycle for Brussels?
According to the official LEZ website, foreign vehicles must register before entering the low emission zone, even if they meet the standard. Check on lez.brussels which standard your motorcycle needs.
Do I need a hi-vis vest?
You must wear one when you get off after a breakdown or accident on the motorway or outside built-up areas. So it belongs in your luggage, ideally one per person.
What is the alcohol limit?
0.5 per mille. You're safest with 0.0.
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
The Europe-wide 112.
Summary
Belgium is closer and twistier than many think. If you ride in full protective gear, keep an eye on the regional speed limits and take priority to the right seriously, nothing stands in the way of a relaxed tour through the Ardennes and High Fens. A comparison with other countries is in Motorcycle rules in Europe: 19 countries compared.
Sources
- Motorcycle rules in Belgium (ADAC, German)
- Driving to Belgium: traffic rules (ADAC, German)
- Rules for motorcyclists in Belgium (ifz, German)
- Low Emission Zone Brussels: checks and fines (Brussels Region)
- Liefkenshoek tunnel: FAQ (NV Tunnel Liefkenshoek)
Last checked: September 2026. Rules and fines can change.