Belgium and Netherlands tackle driver safety with road‑marking rules and seat‑belt misuse

In Belgium, the traffic code allows drivers to cross a solid white line only in specific situations such as avoiding a parked vehicle, a broken down car, road works, a fallen tree or any obstacle that fully blocks the lane. The maneuver must be safe, with clear sight and no obstruction to on‑coming traffic. The rule also clarifies that cyclists and slow‑moving vehicles may not be overtaken if the required one‑metre (urban) or 1.5‑metre (rural) passing distance cannot be maintained without crossing the line.

In the Netherlands, a recent analysis by the platform Gaspedaal.nl found that more than half of motorists wear their seat belts incorrectly, often positioning the lap‑belt low on the hips or the shoulder‑belt across the neck. Although 99 % now wear a belt, misuse remains common, leading to fines of up to €190. Regional data show sharp increases in violations in several Gelderland municipalities, while a few areas reported declines. Experts note that correct belt use reduces fatality risk by about 60 %.