On 1 June 2027, the 1975 Highway Code will disappear. Four new regulations will take its place, collectively called the Code of the Public Highway. Most rules remain the same, but on a number of points, things will definitely change for those who drive a car.
This page is the complete overview: what changes, what remains, what applies in which region and what it means for your theory test. We update this page whenever new information appears.
Briefly summarised The 1975 Highway Code has been amended more than 120 times, making it difficult to read. As of 1 June 2027, four regulations will replace it: the federal Code of the Public Highway, the Brussels Code, the Flemish Traffic Regulation and the Walloon Code. The rules are now organised by type of road user. Most road signs will remain in place until 1 January 2045, but as of 1 June 2027, they will take on the meaning of the new rules. Please note: the regulations can still change both before and after they enter into force. |
Why is there a new Highway Code?
The current Highway Code dates from 1 December 1975 and has since been amended more than 120 times. As a result, the text became confusing and sometimes contradictory. The new regulations are structured more logically: many rules are organised by type of road user, so you can find what applies to you more quickly.
The second objective is clarity. The text has been rewritten in clearer language, so that every road user knows what is expected of them. In addition, the rules take more account of sustainable mobility and the greater diversity of road users on the road.
Four regulations: what applies where?
Regulation | What does it regulate? |
Federal Code of the Public Highway | The basic rules that apply throughout Belgium: priority, overtaking, speed, stopping and parking, behaviour towards other road users. |
Flemish Traffic Regulation | Additions and deviations for the Flemish Region, for example walking pace in residential yards. |
Brussels Code of the Public Highway | Additions and deviations for the Brussels-Capital Region. |
Walloon Code of the Public Highway | Additions and deviations for the Walloon Region. |
Why this is important for your exam Some rules will henceforth explicitly differ per region. The maximum speed in a residential yard in Flanders will become walking pace, while in Brussels and Wallonia it will remain 20 km/h. So always know which region you are driving in, and which region your exam questions take into account. |
All changes for car drivers
Speed and distance
Change | Details |
Following distance of 2 seconds | On roads where you are allowed to drive faster than 50 km/h, you must keep at least 2 seconds distance from the vehicle in front. |
Minimum speed disappears | The minimum speed of 70 km/h on motorways will be abolished. However, driving abnormally slowly remains prohibited. |
Walking pace in residential yards (Flanders) | In the Flemish Region, the maximum speed in a residential yard goes from 20 km/h to walking pace. In Brussels and Wallonia, 20 km/h remains applicable. |
Lateral distance also applies to horse riders | The existing rule of 1 metre inside and 1.5 metres outside built-up areas will henceforth also apply to horse riders. |
Overtaking and lanes
Change | Details |
Prohibition on double overtaking | Overtaking a vehicle that is itself already overtaking is prohibited, regardless of who is being overtaken. |
Overtaking ban also applies to motorbikes | Where sign C35 or C39 is placed, you may no longer overtake a motorcycle on the left either. |
Multi-lane roundabouts | Using a lane other than the right lane is only permitted if you are not taking the first exit. |
Motorway slip road | Giving priority to traffic on the main carriageway will become a general rule. This was already required by sign B1, but those signs may now disappear. |
Stopping and parking
Change | Details |
Broader stopping ban | Stopping will be prohibited where currently only parking is prohibited: on roundabouts, bus lanes, parking spaces for people with disabilities and tactile paving. |
Continuous yellow marking | A ban on stopping and parking applies along a continuous yellow road edge marking. |
Parking signs lose their meaning | Signs E5, E7 and E11 will lose their meaning on 1 June 2027. |
Safety in and around the vehicle
Change | Details |
Seatbelt | If an adult passenger does not wear a seatbelt, both the passenger and the driver can henceforth be fined. |
Breakdown or accident | If possible, turn on all hazard warning lights. If that is not possible, place a warning triangle. The obligation to wear a high-visibility vest becomes broader. |
Repairs on the motorway | Repairing your vehicle on the motorway is prohibited. |
Mobile phone ban for supervisors | Anyone supervising a learner driver must not use or hold a mobile device with a screen. |
What changes for cyclists and pedestrians?
Even if you drive a car, you need to know these rules: they determine what other road users are allowed to do from now on.
• Filtering: Cyclists are henceforth allowed to filter through traffic queues between or past stationary and slow-moving vehicles.
• Children on the pavement: Children up to and including 11 years of age are allowed to cycle on the pavement.
• Diagonal green: At a diagonal green signal, pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to cross the intersection diagonally.
• New sign R12: A new sign indicates a non-compulsory cycle path.
Road signs: what happens to them?
New signs are coming, but they will not be replaced all at once: they may only be used from the date of entry into force. Existing signs will take on the meaning of the new rules from 1 June 2027, and some signs will therefore change in content without the sign itself changing. The old signs will disappear in phases: E5, E7 and E11 will lose their meaning on 1 June 2027, F17 and F18 and the markings from Articles 72.5 and 72.6 on 1 June 2030, zonal signs F111 and F113 on 1 January 2035, and most other signs only on 1 January 2045.
Pay attention to these signs At C35 and C39, you may no longer overtake a motorcycle on the left either. Parking signs E5, E7 and E11 will lose their meaning on 1 June 2027. For your exam, this means: learn the meaning according to the rules in force on the day of your exam. |
What does this mean for your theory exam driving licence B?
The format of the exam does not change: 50 questions, at least 41/50 to pass, 15 seconds per question and 19 euros per attempt. The system of serious offences also remains, where an error costs 5 points and two serious errors equal failing.
The content does follow the rules in force. For an exam before 1 June 2027, the questions will be about the current Highway Code. From the day the new code comes into force, the answers must in principle correspond to the new rules. You can follow how the exam centres organise this transition practically via GOCA Flanders.
Always practice with the rules that apply on your exam day RAPP puts the new rules live from 15 May 2027. The current rules remain available until 1 June 2027, so that those taking the exam before that date practice with the correct material. In the period in between, you can practice with both versions. Start for free, 9.99 euros for 14 days of full access. No subscription. |
Read further per topic
• New Highway Code 2027: what changes for the theory exam driving licence B?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the new Highway Code enter into force? On 1 June 2027. The entry into force was first planned for 1 September 2026 and has been postponed. The regulations can still be adjusted before that date. |
What is the Code of the Public Highway? The set of four regulations that replaces the 1975 Highway Code: a federal code and an additional regulation for each region. |
What changes in practical terms for car drivers? Among other things: a compulsory following distance of 2 seconds above 50 km/u, the end of the minimum speed on the motorway, a ban on double overtaking, a broader stopping ban, walking pace in Flemish residential yards and a fine for the driver if an adult passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. |
Do I need to take the exam again if I already have a driving licence? No. However, every road user is supposed to know the rules in force, including the new ones. |
Will all road signs be replaced? No, that will happen in phases. E5, E7 and E11 will lose their meaning on 1 June 2027, F17 and F18 on 1 June 2030, zonal signs F111 and F113 on 1 January 2035 and most other signs only on 1 January 2045. However, all signs will take on the meaning of the new rules from 1 June 2027. |
Do the same rules apply everywhere in Belgium? The basic rules do. In addition, each region has its own regulation with additions. For example, walking pace in residential yards only applies in Flanders, while Brussels and Wallonia retain 20 km/h. |
Will the fines change due to the new Highway Code? No. The fine amounts are separate from the new code. They did, however, increase separately by about 10 per cent on 1 July 2026. |
Sources and last update Wegcode.be (Vias institute and FPS Mobility): Code of the Public Highway | Belgian Official Gazette: amending decree 15 July 2026 | GOCA Flanders: gocavlaanderen.be | This page is updated whenever new information about the Code of the Public Highway appears. |
Written by Daan Van Isterdael, co-founder of RAPP. He built the platform that helps more than 10,000 Belgian candidates pass their driving licence test.