Reviewed 2026-11-03 · Art. 61
Signs and road markings →Steady amber: stop unless too close to stop safely when it lights up.
Purpose and student action
Identify the signal shape, colour and intended users, then apply the source rule and priority obligations.
Read · decide · act
- Identify the light intended for your lane and vehicle; public-transport signals are distinct.
- Observe the stop line and anticipate changes without accelerating to beat them.
- Green does not authorise blocking a junction or ignoring people still lawfully crossing.
Source documents
Steady amber: stop unless too close to stop safely when it lights up.
Coverage refers to this dated source catalogue, not every local sign or all Belgian legislation. Variants and reference examples are counted separately.
Regulatory source ↗Applied situations
Steady amber appears while you still have enough distance to stop safely.
Show the answer and reason
Stop before the line or signal.
The exception is inability to stop safely at its appearance, not convenience or impatience.
Article 61Published legal wording (French/Dutch)
Orange fixe : arrêt sauf impossibilité de s’arrêter en sécurité à son apparition.
Vast oranje: stop, tenzij veilig stoppen bij het oplichten niet meer kan.