No. Lane splitting is explicitly prohibited under Belgian traffic law, with no exceptions for motorcycles or scooters. The Code de la Route (Road Traffic Code) treats lane splitting as a form of dangerous overtaking, punishable by fines up to €1,600 and potential license suspension. Belgian authorities, including the Service Public Fédéral Mobilité, enforce this strictly, particularly in urban areas like Brussels and Antwerp where congestion is high. Recent 2026 compliance directives emphasize automated enforcement via traffic cameras, heightening risks for violators.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Belgium
- Article 10.1 of the Code de la Route bans overtaking between lanes, including lane splitting, under penalty of a €116–€1,600 fine.
- Motorcycles and scooters are subject to the same rules as cars; no special dispensation exists for two-wheeled vehicles.
- Urban enforcement prioritization targets high-traffic zones, with automated systems monitoring violations in real time.
Belgium’s stance contrasts with neighboring countries like the Netherlands, where lane filtering is tolerated under strict conditions. The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has lobbied for reform, but legislative proposals remain stalled in the Chambre des Représentants. Until legal changes occur, riders face unambiguous liability for lane splitting, with insurers routinely denying claims for accidents occurring during such maneuvers.