Speeding violations are familiar territory for many motorists, but anyone who thought that only driving too fast was punishable is mistaken.
Driving too slowly can also lead to a fine, especially when it hinders other road users. This topic was discussed in the podcast Man do not worry from consumer program WinWinNewsreader Chaima Saysay expressed her annoyance about slow-moving drivers who can cause dangerous situations, especially on the highway.
Stef Willems, spokesman for the Belgian traffic institute Vias, explains that slow driving can be a real problem. Although traffic signs usually only indicate the maximum speed, there are also guidelines on how slow you are allowed to drive. On motorways, for example, a mandatory minimum speed of 70 kilometres per hour applies, unless exceptional circumstances, such as traffic jams or bad weather, make this impossible.
dangerous
According to Willems, it's all about traffic safety. "You are required to adjust your speed to the situation on the road. In fog, rain or a slippery road surface, it can even be dangerous to drive the maximum speed," he says. But that doesn't mean you can drive extremely slowly for no reason. "Traffic is a dynamic entity. Slow drivers can cause sudden braking manoeuvres from oncoming traffic, which increases the chance of rear-end collisions."
Chaima Saysay emphasizes in her podcast that slow-moving drivers often cause extra irritation when they block the middle lane. This behavior forces faster drivers to change lanes or – even more dangerously – overtake on the right. “If there is enough space in the right lane, you should drive there. That way you avoid hindering other drivers,” Willems adds.
The message is clear: speed limits are not only there to curb reckless driving, but also to keep traffic flowing safely and smoothly. Awareness of both maximum and minimum speed limits can help prevent dangerous situations.
The Belgian Highway Code clearly states that no driver may drive slower than 70 kilometers per hour on the motorway, unless there is a traffic jam or bad weather conditions. This is a legally established minimum speed that prevents traffic from becoming gridlocked or unsafe situations from arising. Offenders risk a fine of 58 euros, which is classified as a first-degree violation.
The figures do not lie: according to the federal police, an average of 650 fines are issued each year to drivers who do not adhere to the minimum speed on the motorway. However, this remains only a fraction of the total number of traffic fines in Belgium.
But slow drivers can also get caught on other roads. Willems explains: “The law prescribes that you may not hinder other road users by driving abnormally slowly. For example, if you drive 25 kilometers per hour without a valid reason on a road where you are allowed to drive 70, you can be fined for that.” These types of violations also fall under the first degree and cost the driver 58 euros.
awareness
The discussion about minimum speeds brings to light a broader problem: how do we ensure that all road users interpret traffic rules responsibly? Willems points out that road safety is not just about following the rules, but also about sensing the right speed at the right time. “Adjusting your speed is essential, but always take the traffic flow into account. By driving annoyingly slowly, you not only run the risk of a fine, you also endanger yourself and others.”
