🚦 Stopping on the cycle lane at a red light: a harmless habit… or a real offence?

Many drivers think they’re doing nothing wrong when they stop “a little further ahead” at a red light — sometimes right on the cycle lane, just before the pedestrian crossing. Yet this small gesture can actually be an offence.

🚴‍♀️ What’s the purpose of that cycle lane?

The cycle lane or “advanced stop box” (also called a bike box) has a clear purpose:
it allows cyclists to position themselves in front of cars while waiting at a red light, so they can be seen more easily and start safely when the light turns green.

When a car stops there, even briefly, it prevents cyclists from using the space and creates a safety risk, especially when the light changes.

❌ Why it’s not allowed

These spaces are reserved for cyclists only.
Drivers must stop before the first white line, the one that marks the beginning of the bike box.
Stopping on the cycle lane or in the box — even if no cyclists are present — is considered an offence, similar to stopping on a pedestrian crossing.

Police can issue fines if a car is found stationary in the cycle box at a red light.
This is not theoretical: controls are carried out in several Belgian cities, especially where new cycling infrastructure has been introduced.

🚗 “But I had no choice!”

There are, of course, exceptional circumstances:

• if traffic is blocked,

• if you had to move forward to avoid danger,

• or if the road markings were unclear.

In such cases, officers often take the context into account.
But aside from these situations, drivers are expected to know and respect the purpose of these spaces.

⚖️ In short

• The cycle lane or bike box is not a waiting area for cars.

• Drivers must stop before the first white line.

• Enforcement exists, particularly in city centres.

• Respecting these zones helps protect cyclists and avoid unnecessary tickets.

💡 Practical tip:
If the road markings are faded or confusing, take a photo in case you’re fined — it may help demonstrate the situation accurately.

📩 Need legal advice or assistance with a traffic ticket?
Contact me for a personalised review of your case — I can check the validity of the control, the signage on site, and the legality of the report.