Belgium is a beautiful, historic city that has a lot to offer those who vacation there. You may want to spend some time exploring Brussels and visiting places such as the Grand Palace. You may also want to head to Bruges, where you can see the magnificent architecture in the historic Center. The Menin Gate Memorial, Ghent City Center, the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Burg Square, and the WWI Memorial Museum are just some of the fantastic places you might want to spend some time.
Renting a vehicle in Belgium
Renting a car or another vehicle to get around Belgium while you are on vacation can be a great idea. You will find that it is much easier to get to all of the destinations you want to visit, and you do not have to wait on public transportation and taxis to do it. When you rent a vehicle, it needs to include several items.
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Reflective vest
- Warning triangle
Before you leave the rental agency, make sure the vehicle has all of these items in it. In addition, get the phone number and emergency contact information for the agency, just in case you need to contact them.
Road conditions and safety
The road network in Belgium is well built, and most of the roads are in good driving condition. You should not encounter many broken pavements and potholes. In addition, the highways are well lit, which can make driving at night easier.
The traffic flows on the right side of the road, and you pass on the left. Drivers have to be at least 18 years old to drive in Belgium. When driving, you are not allowed to use mobile devices unless they are hands-free. The driver and the passengers need to wear seatbelts. If you are passing through a tunnel, you need to turn on your headlights. When you are in a built up area, you are only allowed to use your horn in the event of a serious emergency or to warn for extreme danger.
Foreign drivers will need to carry their driver’s license (and international driving permit if required), passport, insurance certificate, and vehicle registration documents. Even if the vehicle you rent is equipped with cruise control, you are not allowed to use it on the motorways. All of the motorways are toll free.
Types of roads
There are several types of roads in Belgium, each denoted with a letter.
- A – These roads connect the large cities in Belgium and international cities
- B – These are roads between smaller cities
- R – These are ring roads that go around large cities
- N – These roads connect smaller cities and towns
Speed limits
Make sure you follow the speed limits when you are driving in Belgium. They are as follows.
- Motorways – 120 km/h
- Main roads 70 to 90 km/h
- Built up areas – 50 km/h
- School zones – 30 km/h
Having a rental vehicle in Belgium will make it much easier for you to see all of the sights on your itinerary.
