The Belgian road code has recently undergone a thorough revision. One of the most notable changes? The redefinition of pedestrian, driver. In this blog, we clearly outline when you still count as a pedestrian – and when you are legally already considered a driver, even if you are just pushing something along.

You are a pedestrian if…

In the earlier legislation, a whole list was provided of persons who were considered pedestrians – think of people with a stroller, wheelchair, wheelbarrow... That list has now been removed. The law now assumes that anyone moving on foot is a pedestrian, even if you are pushing or pulling something.

What is new: you are allowed to carry a vehicle by hand, provided that it is no more than 1 meter wide. This explicitly states for the first time in the law how wide that vehicle can be to still count as a "natural extension" of the pedestrian.

Specifically, this means:

• A stroller, wheelchair, or bike by hand? ➝ You are a pedestrian.

• A light moped ➝ You are also a pedestrian, if it is less than 1 meter wide.

• A motorcycle or car? ➝ Then you are not a pedestrian, even if you are pushing it.

You are a driver if…

If you are pushing a vehicle broader than 1 meter by hand, you are considered a driver, not a pedestrian.

And that has consequences:

• You must then step onto the road, not on the pavement.

• You must follow the traffic rules for drivers.

• In some cases, you may even need a driver's license or have to wear a helmet (for example, when on a motorcycle).

Note! even if your motorcycle is defective, you are still considered a driver if you are pushing a motorized vehicle.

Practice these questions in chapter 2 of our app! And be sure to check out other blogs like "5 common mistakes on the theory exam" and "How many mistakes can you make on the theory exam".