Speed limits in Belgium

Speed limits in Belgium are not the same everywhere. Where most neighbouring countries manage with one set of rules, here the maximum speed depends on the region you are driving in: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels each have their own standard outside built-up areas. For foreign drivers that is often the biggest surprise. Below you will find a clear overview by road type, plus the separate rules for motorhomes, trailers and vans.

Overview by region

These are the standard limits. Road signs always take priority over these general rules: if there is a sign, follow the sign.

Road type	Flanders	Wallonia	Brussels
Within a built-up area	50 km/h	50 km/h	30 km/h
Outside a built-up area	70 km/h	90 km/h	70 km/h
Motorway	120 km/h	120 km/h	120 km/h
Zone 30	30 km/h	30 km/h	30 km/h
Home zone	20 km/h	20 km/h	20 km/h
School zone	30 km/h	30 km/h	30 km/h

Within built-up areas

In Flanders and Wallonia the standard limit within a built-up area is 50 km/h. Brussels introduced a general limit of 30 km/h for the whole city, unless signs allow a higher speed. Across the country, 30 km/h also applies in a zone 30 and near schools, and 20 km/h in a home zone (woonerf).

Outside built-up areas

This is where the regions differ most. In Flanders you may drive 70 km/h on ordinary roads outside built-up areas, in Brussels also 70 km/h, but in Wallonia 90 km/h. When you cross from one region into another, pay attention: the permitted speed can change along the way even when the road itself looks the same.

On the motorway

On motorways the limit throughout Belgium is 120 km/h for cars and light vans. There is also a minimum speed of 70 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways, unless conditions do not allow it. Roadworks and dynamic overhead signs can temporarily lower the limit and always take priority. On large parts of the Brussels ring road on the Flemish side the maximum is 100 km/h.

Motorhomes, trailers and vans

Heavier and towing vehicles follow separate rules on the motorway:

• Van up to 3.5 tonnes: the same speeds as a car, so 120 km/h on the motorway.
• Motorhome up to 3.5 tonnes: the same, 120 km/h on the motorway.
• Motorhome heavier than 3.5 tonnes: a maximum of 90 km/h on the motorway.
• Car with a trailer or caravan: 120 km/h on the motorway, provided the whole combination is no heavier than 3.5 tonnes and the trailer is rated for that speed.

The right speed can be lower than the limit

The maximum speed is a ceiling, not an obligation. You are always required to adjust your speed to the conditions: visibility, weather, traffic and the state of the road. In rain, fog or heavy traffic the correct speed can be well below what the sign allows.

What changes in 2026 and 2027

From 1 September 2026, raised road features in Flanders such as speed bumps and raised junctions automatically become a zone 30, even without a sign. And from 1 May 2027 something new arrives: the Belgian digital road vignette becomes mandatory for cars and vans up to 3,500 kg using Belgian motorways and main roads, for residents and foreign drivers alike. You will find the expected prices and how it works on our homepage.

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