No, applying makeup while driving in Belgium is illegal under the Code de la route (Road Traffic Act), as it constitutes a distraction under Article 8.1, punishable by fines up to €116. Police may cite this as “inattention” or “lack of control,” even if no accident occurs.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in Belgium
- Distraction as an Offense: Article 8.1 of the Code de la route prohibits any activity diverting attention from driving, including makeup application, mirror checks, or phone use. Belgian courts interpret this broadly to include grooming.
- Strict Liability for Drivers: The Service Public Fédéral Mobilité (Federal Public Service Mobility) enforces this under Arrêté royal du 1er décembre 1975, classifying it as a “minor infraction” (Classe 2) with fixed penalties.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Code de la route (effective 2026) may introduce harsher penalties for visual distractions, aligning with EU directives on road safety. Local police forces in Flanders and Wallonia already issue warnings for such behavior.
Enforcement varies by region, but judicial precedents (e.g., Cour de cassation, 2023) confirm that even brief makeup application—such as lipstick or mascara—can be prosecuted if it impairs vehicle control. Drivers are advised to use rest stops or parking areas for grooming.