Belgium to Eliminate Mandatory Road Emergency Triangle from 2027

Belgium is set to abolish the mandatory use of the road emergency triangle beginning June 1, 2027. The decision aims to enhance road safety by preventing accidents that occur when drivers exit their vehicles to place the warning triangle, particularly on highways.

According to a parliamentary response from the Minister of Mobility, Jean-Luc Crucke, "placing the triangle involves risks." Once the new traffic code takes effect next summer, drivers will primarily need to activate their hazard lights to signal a breakdown or accident. If the hazard lights are non-functional, drivers will still be permitted to use the emergency triangle or a portable yellow flashing light.

Data from the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) indicates that between five and ten fatal or serious injury accidents occur annually on road shoulders. The Federal Highway Police also highlight the danger associated with the triangle, which necessitates drivers stopping on the roadside to deploy it, exposing them to the risk of being hit by passing vehicles.

Belgium's decision follows Spain's lead, which removed the mandatory triangle requirement on January 1, 2026. Spain now mandates the use of a V-16 beacon, a luminous and connected device placed on the vehicle's roof, eliminating the need to exit the car. Minister Crucke has deferred commenting on the potential adoption of a similar beacon in Belgium until Spanish authorities complete their evaluation of the system's performance.