Priority from the right is a default, not the first rule to apply blindly. Begin by checking for an authorised officer, traffic lights, signs and markings, then ask whether either driver is manoeuvring.
Use the control hierarchy first
Before looking left or right, identify what controls the junction. An authorised officer overrides traffic lights, signs, road markings and general traffic rules. When no higher instruction resolves the situation, continue through the decision sequence.
Ask whether someone is manoeuvring
Leaving a parking place, reversing, making a U-turn and changing lanes are manoeuvres. The driver carrying out a manoeuvre yields; priority from the right does not rescue that driver.
Apply the default only after the exceptions
At an uncontrolled junction, a driver normally yields to a driver approaching from the right. Trams and special situations require their own rules, so identify the road user and road layout before committing to the default.
- Officer
- Traffic lights
- Signs and markings
- Manoeuvre
- Special road user or road layout
- Priority from the right
Frequently asked questions
Does traffic from the right always have priority in Belgium?
No. Officers, lights, signs, markings, manoeuvres and special rules can determine a different result.
Who yields during a manoeuvre?
The driver performing the manoeuvre must yield to other road users.
This guide was reviewed on 2026-09-11. Belgian procedures can change and differ by region; the relevant authority or examination centre remains the final source.