International Road Transport Operations in Belgium
Operational Activities
Cabotage
UK hauliers may carry goods to, through or from the country, goods can also be carried from Belgium to a third country
and vice versa if permitted by the terms of any agreement between the three countries. Cabotage is permitted. EU member state vehicles
undertaking cabotage must use the Belgium National consignment note (CMR).
Dangerous Goods
Belgium is a party to the ADR agreement, however specific rules apply as follows:-
- Vehicles bearing an Orange ADR plate must travel on motorways. However, there are exception to this where circumstances allow
- Other ADR goods carrying vehicles must not travel on roads or through tunnels showing the C24 road sign (see image right)
ADR Movements through Tunnels
ADR Tunnel codes came into effect 1 January 2010. All dangerous goods notes (DGN's) must have the Tunnel code included. There are five
categories of tunnel categorisation for ADR, with A representing the least restrictive through to E being
the most restrictive. If you carry ADR goods, you need to know which tunnel you can use.
An example for Belgium is the Kennedy Tunnel at Antwerp which has Tunnel Code D. However, there are many tunnels throughout the country so it is imperative that routes are planned well if your vehicle(s) are carrying ADR.
Abnormal Loads
Abnormal load movements are prohibited on public holidays and on ordinary roads, from Saturdays at 06.00 hours until Mondays at 06.00
hours and also on motorways, from Saturdays at 06.00 hours until Mondays at 09.00 hours.
Special authorisation must be obtained if vehicles/loads exceed maximum permitted weights and dimensions. For help and
assistance, visit the Royal Belgian Federation of carriers and logistics providers website
www.febetra.be
Taxation
Fuel carried into Belgium in the main tank is duty-free.
Customs
All goods carried into Belgium are in free circulation (except excise duty goods) from all operators of EU member states. TIR Carnets are
accepted. ATA Carnets are accepted for specific temporary imports from Non-EU countries. CMR notes are compulsory and must be completed
correctly otherwise heavy fines can be imposed.
Movement Restrictions
There are no driving restrictions on public holidays or weekends.
Overtaking Bans
Goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes are prohibited from overtaking on all roads except motorways where there are 3 lanes in the same direction.
On dual carraigeways outside built-up areas, goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from overtaking unless signposted otherwise.
Road Tolls
Belgium is one of 5 countries that operate the Eurovignette toll system, the other countries include Denmark, the Netherlands, Luxembourg
and Sweden. Heavy goods vehicles and vehicle combinations with a maximum admissible weight from 12 tonnes must have a valid Eurovignette
when driving in the countries named above. The Eurovignette is calculated by the the vehicles Euro Engine value and the number of axles on
the vehicle.
Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
The Liefkenshoek Tunnel is situated just North of Antwerp within the Antwerp ring, it operates cash, teletol and credit card facilities.
To find out more about the Tunnel, its closure periods and current charges, please click on link below, which will take you directly to the
Liefkenshoek Tunnel website. Please note this website is only available in Flemish, Dutch and French.
- Liefkenshoek Tunnel Connects N49 (B) to A12 (Nl) - Situated North of Antwerp Liefkenshoek Tunnel
Vehicle Requirements
Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer.
Loads & Load Safety
More and more EU member states are implementing Load Safety Best Practice and penalising operators/drivers for failure to implement. The
guide can be downloaded from the EU commissions website here European Guidelines on Cargo
Security/Load Safety. You can also refer to the Load Security page within the
Construction & Use/Loads section of this website.
| Maximum Weights & Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 metres |
| Width | 2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
| Length |
Artic 16.5 metres
Road Train 18.75 metres There are also other maximum lengths on vehicles and trailers according to the number of axles |
| Weight |
Artic 44 tonnes
Road Train 44 tonnes There are also various maximum permitted weights on vehicles, trailers and road trains which are applicable according to the number of axles. |
Safety Equipment
In the best interest of road safety the following compulsory safety equipment or requirements and advise should be adhered to:-
- Warning Triangle, which in the event of breakdown, should be placed 30 metres behind the vehicle on roads other than motorways. On motorways it is 100 metres
- Seat belts must be worn at all times
- Reflective jackets must be worn (day or night) if driver leaves the cab in the event of accident or breakdown
- Dipped headlights in adverse weather conditions or restricted visibility
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- It is forbidden to smoke in vehicle cabs
- The use of snow chains is advisable in snow/icy conditions
- Minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm
Driver Requirements
Legal Documents
Full passport required but no visa. Full UK (card) licence or International driving permit, letter from employer giving driver permission
to drive vehicle, attestation letter and form if there are missing tachograph charts from current period and full explanation.
Speed Limits
| Vehicles Concerned | Built-Up Areas (kms) | Outside Built-Up Areas (kms) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Purpose Roads | Roads with minimum of 2 x 2 lanes seperated by road markings | Motorways with minimum of 2 x 2 lanes seperated by physical barrier | ||
| Goods Vehicles less than 7.5 tonnes | 50 | 60 | 90 | 90 |
| Goods Vehicles greater than 7.5 tonnes | 50 | 60 | 90 |
90
Road Trains Minimum speed 70 |
| Dangerous Goods Vehicle greater than 7.5 tonnes | 50 | 60 | 90 | 90 |
| Dangerous Goods Vehicle Transport of Class I Goods greater than 7.5 tonnes | 30 |
Rigids 50
Combinations 40 |
75 | 75 |
Country Contact Info
British Embassy
Avenue d'Auderghem 10, Oudergemlaan, 1040 Brussels. Tel: +32 (2) 287 6211 Website: www.ukinbelgium.fco.gov.uk
Transport Organisation
Royal Belgian Federation of carriers and logistics providers. Nationale rue de l'Entrepôt 5a 1020 Bruxelles Tel:: +32 (0)2 425 68 00
website: www.febetra.be
