Car Hire in Belgium

Tourist information - Belgium

Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in north-western Europe. On its northern boundaries are the Netherlands and the North Sea, on its eastern boundaries Germany and Luxembourg and on the southern and south-western boundaries is France. Belgium, together with the Netherlands and Luxembourg are known as the Low, or Benelux Countries. The capital of Belgium is Brussels (French Bruxelles) and largest city.

Federal Regions of Belgium

There are three federal regions which form Belgium: Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia. These federal regions are subdivided into ten provinces comprising of Antwerpen, Flemish Brabant, Walloon Brabant, East Flanders, Hainaut, Liège, Limbourg, Luxembourg, Namur and West Flanders.

The major cities of Belgium are Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi and Liège.

The Ardennes needs to be mentioned here, a hilly and wooded region extending from France through southeastern Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to the Rhineland. The Ardennes, is an area of great natural beauty, the hills, sloping gradually in a north-western direction toward the plains of Flanders. Large sections of the Ardennes consist of gently undulating plateaus, with oak and beech trees, other areas are marshy and covered with heath. The region is rich in timber and minerals. Wild boar, which are dangerous, are found here and hunted for their much prized meat. Cattle and sheep are also raised extensively.

SPECIAL NOTES

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
The flashing of headlights is used as a warning.
Dipped headlights must be on between dusk and dawn and during poor weather.
Driving on side lights only is illegal.
Be prepared to give way to vehicles joining from the right.
Trams (cable cars) have priority. In exception to the priority on your right rule, trams always have priority.
Always park with the traffic flow.

SIGN TRANSLATIONS

Allumez vos lanternes = Switch on your lights
Attention au feu = Fire Hazard
Attention Travaux = Roadwork's
Chaussee deformee = Uneven Surface
Fin d'interdiction de Stationner = End of No Parking
Gravillons = Loose Chipping's
Interdit aux Pietons = No Pedestrians
Rappel = Repeat of sign
Route Barree = Road Closed

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

A warning triangle and a fire extinguisher must be carried at all times. If there is the possibility of entering France then a first aid kit would also be needed. A spare bulb kit is recommended.

SPEED LIMITS

Cars only

Built-up areas = 50 kph
Major roads outside towns = 90 kph
Motorways = 120 kph

A rectangular blue sign with a white car signifies a minimum speed of 60 kph on motorways

MOTORWAYS

There is a good network of toll-free motorways (auto routes). Drive in the right-hand lane unless overtaking. A minimum speed of 70 kph applies unless otherwise stated.

SEAT BELTS

Front seats = Compulsory

Rear seats = Compulsory

Children under 12 years not allowed in front unless in an approved seat or harness.

DRIVING LICENCE

EC licence required.
Minimum driving age 18.

FINES

Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine. Police are empowered to impose and collect fines on the spot. An official receipt should be issued.

DRINKING and DRIVING

Blood / Alcohol limit is 0.05%.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police
101

Fire Service
100

Ambulance
100

From a mobile phone dial 112 for all services

PARKING

A Blue Zone system operates in major towns, discs available from police, garages and tobacconists.

FUEL

Unleaded Regular 92 = Normale sans Plomb
Unleaded Super 95 = Super sans Plomb
Diesel is available
LPG is available

Most fuel stations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and all day Sunday. Stations along expressways are open 24 hours a day. Credit cards accepted for fuel payment on motorways and in large towns.

MasterCarsDirect offers car hire in the following locations in Belgium

Brussels Airport, Brussels, Brussels Eurostar, Brussels (Alsemberg - South), Brussels (Gare Du Midi), Brussels (Louise - Centre), Brussels (North), Gent, Antwerp and in other locations.