Emergencies:
Emergency telephones linked to an SOS telephone network are installed at 1.2 mile intervals along the motorways. Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you`re visiting. Operators can answer your call in their native language, English, and French.

Age Requirement:
To rent a car in Belgium you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category). Each car rental company has its own age requirement and a deviation from the minimum age is possible depending on the vehicle. If you`re 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee.

Phone:
It is illegal to hold a cell phone while driving. Hands-free calling is allowed.

Running the engine:
Keeping your engine running when stationary is prohibited. This also applies to other circumstances, such as when waiting at a crossing.

Mandatory Equipment

For safety reasons, in Belgium it`s mandatory to have certain tools present in your car and wear particular items of clothing when driving a motorcycle. On-the-spot fines can be issued for failing to carry these specific items:

Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit
For all drivers it is mandatory to have an approved fire extinguisher and first aid kit in the car. (Vehicles registered in Belgium must carry both, but this is not compulsory for vehicles registered abroad).

Warning Triangle
In case of a breakdown or accident, you need to place the warning triangle approximately 328 ft behind the vehicle when on a highway and approximately 100 ft. in the case of other roads. Within an urban area, you may need to place the triangle on top of the vehicle depending on the situation. Even with the hazard warning lights on, the use of a warning triangle is mandatory.

Safety Vest
If you have to stop on the side of the road in the case of an accident or breakdown, you are required to wear a safety vest (reflective jacket) when exiting the car. This rule applies to both day and night time. It is recommended to carry safety vests for every person in the car.

Note: When renting a car in Belgium, always check whether the mandatory equipment is present in the vehicle.