Driving in Belgium as a United Kingdom National
Belgium drives on the right with excellent motorways, multilingual signage, and straightforward rules. EU and US license holders generally do not need an IDP.
Key Things to Know First
Belgium generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
United Kingdom drives on the left, but Belgium drives on the right. Extra caution required at roundabouts, intersections, and after exits.
Tips for switching sidesUnited Kingdom uses mph, but Belgium uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United Kingdom | Belgium | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Left-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Yes |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 17 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 999 | 112 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Moderate | Easy | — |
Speed Limits in Belgium
Speed limits in Belgium are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Belgium
- Original driving licence from United Kingdom — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Belgium before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Belgium
112 is the pan-European emergency number, widely accepted across many countries worldwide.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Belgium Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Belgium.
Read the complete guide