🚗 Safe Following Distances Between Vehicles in Belgium: What You Need to Know

In Belgium, as in most European countries, keeping a safe distance between vehicles is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial road safety measure. Often underestimated, this rule helps prevent many accidents, especially rear-end collisions and pile-ups.

📏 What Is a Safe Following Distance?

A safe following distance is the space a driver must maintain between their vehicle and the one in front. It ensures there’s enough time to react in case of sudden braking or unexpected obstacles.

⚖️ What Does Belgian Law Say?

According to the Belgian Highway Code (Article 10.1), every driver must maintain a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead to avoid a collision, even if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly. The law does not specify an exact distance in meters, because it depends on speed and driving conditions.

✅ General principle: The following distance should allow the driver to stop safely in an emergency.

📐 The Two-Second Rule

In Belgium, the most common method to estimate a safe distance is the two-second rule. It suggests leaving at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.

How to Apply It:

1. Choose a fixed point on the roadside (pole, sign, tree).

2. When the vehicle ahead passes that point, start counting:
   “One thousand and one, one thousand and two.”

3. If you reach that point before you’ve finished counting, you’re too close.

🕑 In poor weather (rain, fog, slippery roads), increase the gap to 3 or 4 seconds.

🧮 An Easy Formula

Another method is to multiply the tens digit of your speed by 6:

• At 50 km/h → 5 × 6 = 30 meters

• At 90 km/h → 9 × 6 = 54 meters

• At 120 km/h → 12 × 6 = 72 meters

This gives a good approximation of the minimum safe distance.

🚨 Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to maintain a safe following distance is a second-degree traffic violation in Belgium. It may result in:

• A fine of up to €160 (or more in serious cases)

• A license suspension if the violation poses significant danger to others

In the event of an accident, not respecting safe distance rules can also have serious legal and financial consequences, including liability.

🛣️ Special Cases

• On highways, where speeds are higher, longer distances are necessary.

• In traffic jams, the distance may be shorter, but you must always be able to stop safely.

• For heavy vehicles or those towing, braking distances are longer – extra caution is required.

✅ Summary Table

Respecting safe following distances isn’t just about following the rules — it’s about protecting your life and the lives of others.

📩 For any questions or if you’d like a customized version of this article, feel free to contact me