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Driving in Belgium vs. United Arab Emirates: Key Differences

When venturing into the diverse landscapes of Belgium and the United Arab Emirates, understanding their distinct traffic regulations and road customs is crucial for a safe journey. Key disparities include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol policies, shaping the driving experience in each nation. Equip yourself with this essential knowledge to navigate these unique environments confidently.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
united arab emirates:
Marks the left edge on some roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
belgium:
Not commonly used; white lines are prevalent.
united arab emirates:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
belgium:
Generally not allowed except in traffic queues or on multi-lane roads.
united arab emirates:
Allowed on multilane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
belgium:
List length: 5
united arab emirates:
List length: 6
Bus Lanes: Presence
belgium:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Yes, in major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Bus Lanes: Usage
belgium:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis; specific hours may apply.
united arab emirates:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and motorcycles in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Markings
belgium:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
united arab emirates:
Labeled and usually marked by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
belgium:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Yes, primarily in urban areas and parks.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
belgium:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes, in some areas
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
belgium:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
belgium:
Electronic signs display current limits.
united arab emirates:
Electronic signs display current limits, often in major urban areas and highways.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
belgium:
30-50 km/h
united arab emirates:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
belgium:
30 km/h
united arab emirates:
25-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
70-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
belgium:
70-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
60-90 km/h
united arab emirates:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
belgium:
120 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
belgium:
120 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
belgium:
90 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
belgium:
No; fines are mailed to the driver
united arab emirates:
Less common; fines can be issued electronically

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
belgium:
Yes; indicates impending green light
united arab emirates:
Not used in UAE
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
belgium:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
united arab emirates:
Unnecessary use discouraged; especially in residential areas
Traffic Signs: Language
belgium:
Dutch, French, German; symbols are standard
united arab emirates:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
belgium:
Triangle-shaped with a red border and white or yellow background
united arab emirates:
Triangular with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
belgium:
Not allowed unless specific signage permits
united arab emirates:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
belgium:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
united arab emirates:
Allowed unless specifically prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
belgium:
Accepted; national driving license sufficient
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
belgium:
International Driving Permit recommended
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
belgium:
Yes; proof must be shown during police checks
united arab emirates:
Annual inspection required for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
belgium:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
united arab emirates:
Displayed on the windshield after inspection
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
united arab emirates:
Recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
belgium:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
united arab emirates:
Moderate use, not excessively

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
belgium:
0.05%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Limits: Professional Drivers
belgium:
0.02%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Limits: Underage Drivers
belgium:
0.00%; zero tolerance
united arab emirates:
0.00% to 0.02%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
belgium:
Common; conducted by police
united arab emirates:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
belgium:
Varies by severity of offense
united arab emirates:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
belgium:
112
united arab emirates:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
belgium:
101
united arab emirates:
Varies by emirate; often integrates with general emergency
Contact: Roadside Assistance
belgium:
Check with your insurance provider or Europe Assistance
united arab emirates:
Check with your insurance provider or organizations like AAA
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
belgium:
Mandatory
united arab emirates:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
belgium:
Varies; fines increase with speed, and can include license suspension
united arab emirates:
Varies; AED 300 to AED 3000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
belgium:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
united arab emirates:
Severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
belgium:
Fine of around 50 EUR
united arab emirates:
AED 400, 4 black points
Common Fines: Phone Use
belgium:
Fine of around 100 EUR, increased for repeat offenses
united arab emirates:
AED 800, 4 black points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
belgium:
Fines; points on license possible
united arab emirates:
AED 1000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
belgium:
No; fines usually mailed to the driver
united arab emirates:
Not typical; fines usually notified electronically
Payment: Deadline
belgium:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay
united arab emirates:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay