If you ride a motorcycle in Belgium, you need to take several clear traffic rules into account. We have listed the most important ones for you.
Last checked on 21 July 2026. No rights can be derived from this information.
Will there be a road vignette for motorcycles?
From 1 May 2027, Belgium wants to introduce a digital road vignette for the use of regional roads and motorways, but as the plan is currently written, this does not apply to motorcycles. The requirement focuses on motor vehicles with at least four wheels and a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes. A motorcycle therefore falls outside this scope. For riders travelling through Belgium by motorcycle, this means that no additional vignette requirement currently appears to be coming.
Which motorcycle clothing is mandatory in Belgium?
Belgium is fairly strict when it comes to motorcycle clothing. On a motorcycle, a helmet, gloves, a jacket with long sleeves, long trousers or an overall and shoes that protect the ankles are mandatory. This also applies to a passenger.
If you ride through Belgium in summer, shorts or a T shirt on the motorcycle are therefore not an option. Regular low shoes are also not sufficient if your ankles are not protected.
Is lane filtering allowed in Belgium?
Lane filtering is allowed in Belgium, but only within clear limits. In slow moving or stationary traffic, motorcyclists may ride between the lanes. You may not ride faster than 50 km/h, and the speed difference with the other traffic may not exceed 20 km/h.
On motorways and expressways, you do this between the two leftmost lanes. So do not ride along the right side of the traffic jam if this is not allowed.
Safety vest in case of breakdown
If you have a breakdown or are involved in an accident on a motorway or expressway, you must wear a retroreflective safety vest as soon as you leave your vehicle in a place where stopping or parking is not allowed. So always take a safety vest with you when riding through Belgium.
Our advice
For motorcyclists, there is one main point for now: the planned road vignette does not appear to apply to motorcycles, but the Belgian rules for motorcycle clothing and lane filtering are directly relevant. If you ride a motorcycle in Belgium, make sure your gear is complete and follow the rules in traffic jams.
Also browse our collection of motorcycle clothing and helmets before your motorcycle trip.