Towing speed limit in Belgium

[cooky1]

In the latest Practical Caravan magazine it has the speed limit at 120km/hr on motorways but in my road atlas it has it as 90km/hr.

Could anyone clarify the actual speed limit for me please?

Thanks

 

[MikeP]

90kmh is the limit for "open roads", and the limit on motorways is 120kmh.

Call me a boring old git (I'm not 40 yet), but I tow at 60mph when I'm abroad now that I've got a caravan rather than a trailer tent. I'm used to towing at that speed, and it's safer.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Graeme,

I work in Rotterdam and commute almost ever other week by car.

So I'm happy to say that whilst Mike is right for solo vehicles, but not when towing a caravan.

Caravans in Benelux and Germany are restricted to 80 kph (50 mph) on the motorways.

The Belgian police are very active (bike patrols and police cars hiding in the central reservation) on the section of the A10 / E40 between Brugge and Gent

Robert

 

[MikeP]

I'm not arguing with Robert, but I'm politely disagreeing and willing to be corrected.

I took the speed limit info from the AA website, and there is nothing to say that there is a lower limit in Belgium if you are towing. I'd like to know, as I'm off to Holland in the morning.

Speed limits are here http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/eumotoring/speed.asp

and accompanying notes are here http://www.aaroadwatch.ie/eumotoring/speed_notes.asp

The limits page has numbered references, but the notes page has bullets. Copy and paste the notes into a Word doc and convert the bullets to numbers by clicking the "numbering" button.

 

[Lutz]

My information is the same as yours, Mike. Rob's right as far as the Netherlands and Germany is concerned but I also have a 120kph figure for Belgium, also when towing.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Mike,

The speed limit for caravans in Holland is 80 kph - the same as for HGV. A large part of the motorway network around the Randstad (Rotterdam to Amsterdam) is restricted to 100 kph anyway.

You need to read the signs in Belgium - there are posted local maximums for caravans - and on some motorways it is permitted to tow at 120 kph - but generally the limit will be 80 kph.

But in the case of Belgium (France and Germany), insurance restrictions apply to accidents involving caravans occurring whilst driving above 100 kph (according to ADAC).

Robert

 

[EvansofSprot]

Hi Mike,

The speed limit for caravans in Holland is 80 kph - the same as for HGV. A large part of the motorway network around the Randstad (Rotterdam to Amsterdam) is restricted to 100 kph anyway.

You need to read the signs in Belgium - there are posted local maximums for caravans - and on some motorways it is permitted to tow at 120 kph - but generally the limit will be 80 kph.

But in the case of Belgium (France and Germany), insurance restrictions apply to accidents involving caravans occurring whilst driving above 100 kph (according to ADAC).

Robert

In France the speed limit for towing a caravan, is the national one, unless you are told something else for example on the downslope of a hill.

Rain also effects the speed you may go on an autoroute.

 

[EvansofSprot]

I meant this comment to be in the reply section so I am reposting it:

"In France the speed limit for towing a caravan, is the national one, unless you are told something else for example on the downslope of a hill.

Rain also effects the speed you may go on an autoroute."

 

[Lutz]

Rob's right about the insurance restrictions when towing over 100kph even where the national road speed limits allow speeds in excess of 100kph. If you are involved in an accident with a German vehicle and their insurance can prove that you were going faster than 100kph when towing, part of your claim against their insurance would be reduced even if the driver of the other vehicle is to blame.

 

[MikeP]

Glad that's sorted then ...........

I'm generally against a single set of laws and regulations for the whole of Europe, but a single set of speed limits would be nice. France = 110/130, Belgium = 120, Netherlands = 80, Lux = 90, Germany = 100 (but can be higher) etc etc. When I'm driving across Europe it is sometimes difficult to remember which country I'm in, let alone what the limit is. Hence 100kph everywhere except Holland, which is 80kph. It works for me.

ps Lutz - we will text you once we're in Germany. You and Mrs Lutz will be most welcome to pop in for a nice cup of tea. How English! Due to get there on the 9th.

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Mike,

What pop-top do you tug?

And you can only tow at 100 kph in Germany if your (German registered) car and caravan comply with Tempo 100 - otherwise 80 kph.

Robert (Eriba Triton 410)

 

[MikeP]

We have a 3 berth Trigano Rubis, which is the same shape as the old Fleurette.

Thanks re Germany. I will enjoy my steady plod down to Rudesheim with the comfort that I am saving money and the environment or something.

 

[rob_jax]

Mike

Think of all the extra beer you can buy with the money you've saved on fuel.

Have a great time, Robert

 

[Lutz]

Glad that's sorted then ...........

I'm generally against a single set of laws and regulations for the whole of Europe, but a single set of speed limits would be nice. France = 110/130, Belgium = 120, Netherlands = 80, Lux = 90, Germany = 100 (but can be higher) etc etc. When I'm driving across Europe it is sometimes difficult to remember which country I'm in, let alone what the limit is. Hence 100kph everywhere except Holland, which is 80kph. It works for me.

ps Lutz - we will text you once we're in Germany. You and Mrs Lutz will be most welcome to pop in for a nice cup of tea. How English! Due to get there on the 9th.

As it happens, I had to come over to the UK at short notice and I doubt whether I'll be back in Germany by the 9th but I'll let you know.

ps: The normal speed limit towing in Germany is 80kph (100kph applies only if certain technical conditions are fulfilled).

 

[Lutz]

We have a 3 berth Trigano Rubis, which is the same shape as the old Fleurette.

Thanks re Germany. I will enjoy my steady plod down to Rudesheim with the comfort that I am saving money and the environment or something.

It does appear now that I won't be back in Germany by the 9th so have a nice journey and enjoy your stay at R