From getting a Belgian driver's licence to road taxes, here is our updated guide to driving in Belgium.

If you are a citizen of an EU member country you do not need to obtain a Belgian licence.

To drive in Belgium, you will need a local licence

If you are a citizen of an EU member country you do not need to obtain a Belgian licence. Other foreigners permanently residing in Belgium and driving in the country may use an International Driving licence initially, but should apply for a valid Belgian driving licence on being issued an identity card.

An application must be made at the local town hall, usually at the same time as residence registration. It is required that you provide an existing driver's licence, two passport-type photographs and a residence permit. Expect several weeks' delay before receiving the Belgian licence.

A Belgian driving licence will be given automatically to some nationals including Switzerland and Norway.  Other nationals may need to take a Belgian driving test to qualify.  Non-EU nationals can check the government web site for licence validity: www.mobilit.fgov.be

It is important to note that the minimum driving age in Belgium is 18.  Even if you're 17 and have been issued a licence in your home country, you cannot drive here.

Registration tax
The registration tax is for your number plate which stays with you and not with the car. You will get the rear number plate in the post and have to go to a Mister Minute type shop to have the front one made up!

Circulation tax

Circulation tax (taxe de mise en circulation/belasting op inverkeerstelling) is a one-off payment made upon the purchase of a new or used car, based on the power of the engine. This is designed to curb the use of fuel-heavy cars, so make sure you check the tax bracket you fall into.

Road tax
Your road tax is also based on the power of your engine and whether your car is used to transport passengers or merchandise. It is payable annually.  The road tax becomes costlier on a second car.

Speed limits

Speed limits are 30/50kph in built-up areas, 70/90kph out of town and 120kph on motorways and four-lane roads.

On entering any town or village, the speed limit comes into effect at the white background signboard bearing the community's name. Radar speed traps are common, particularly on the highway.

Traffic information

Time to hit the road

The telephone number for all of Belgium is 0900 10 280, seven days a week from 6am to 11pm. It carries information on traffic conditions anywhere in Belgium and also abroad.

Parking

Parking in town centres is controlled by parking meters or, in a so-called blue zone, by using a special disc (showing the time of arrival) which can be bought from garages or tobacconists.   If using meters, a ticket must be bought from a machine and should be placed clearly on the dashboard, showing the hours of validity. Sometimes a system of alternate side of the road parking is used. 

Also watch out for temporary signs left by the commune to indicate that the road needs to be kept clear for road works or the like.  Ignore these at your peril as your car will be towed.  Never park closer than 15m to a tram or bus stop.

Certain very busy streets are marked with a red triangle stating Axe Rouge/Ax Rode, meaning that no parking is permitted from 7am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6pm. A yellow line on the curb indicates no parking.

For a useful overview of driving in Belgium: click here

(expatica - Updated June 2008)

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Subject: Driving in Belgium