Turning on your hazard lights instead of placing the warning triangle will become the new primary warning method for drivers whose vehicles break down on Belgian roads.
The new rule takes effect on June 1, 2027. It is being introduced because placing a warning triangle along busy roads is no longer considered safe. After all, you must get out of the car and walk past the traffic.
Making turn signals standard reduces the risk to drivers with a breakdown significantly.
Postponement of the new Highway Code
The new rule is included in the new Highway Code, which was published in the Belgian Official Gazette in September 2024. However, its entry into force, originally scheduled for September 1, 2026, has now been postponed to June 1, 2027, to give all parties involved (regions, police, justice system, etc.) time to prepare properly.
Specifically, the new rule regarding the warning triangle stipulates that in the event of a breakdown or accident, all turn signals (i.e., flashing lights) must be used. Only if that is not possible must the warning triangle still be placed, and then only on highways and expressways, at a distance of 100 meters.
High-visibility vest remains mandatory
Today, the situation is still the opposite. On regular roads, a warning triangle must be placed at least 30 meters from the vehicle, and on highways, at least 100 meters. Failure to do so carries a fine of €58. After June 1, 2027, the focus will shift to hazard lights as the primary warning device, which will also significantly reduce the risk for drivers who have broken down.
Wearing a high-visibility vest remains mandatory on highways and expressways if you exit the vehicle due to a breakdown.
V16 beacon
In the newspaper De Standaard, which reported the news after Minister of Mobility Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) mentioned it in the Chamber of Representatives, the road safety institute Vias calls it a sensible decision, but also sees potential in the Spanish system.
There, the warning triangle has recently been replaced by an orange flashing light that drivers must place on the roof of their car in case of a breakdown.
The V16 beacon is a smart safety light you can place on your car’s roof with a single click when you break down. It automatically flashes a bright orange light, is visible from up to a kilometer away, even in fog or rain, and has a built-in SIM card. The system automatically alerts emergency services, so you don’t have to make the call yourself.
At the moment, the V16 applies only to vehicles registered in Spain. Vehicles from other countries driving through Spain comply with the regulations if they use the warning triangle.
The warning triangle is by far the standard in Europe, but in the Netherlands it is not mandatory when using your hazard lights, similar to what Belgium is also introducing shortly.
