TunnelSlovenia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


6. Tunnel

A tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle such as a hill, mountain, building, waterway or another transport route. Road tunnels may contain one or more traffic lanes and can carry traffic in one or both directions.

Driving in a tunnel requires particular attention because visibility, available escape routes and space for avoiding hazards are limited. Drivers should follow the applicable lighting, speed, lane and following-distance rules and pay attention to emergency exits, traffic signals and variable-message signs.

Tunnel
Former narrow-gauge railway tunnel between Portorož and Strunjan. (Slovenia)
Wikimedia.org • MZaplotnik • CC BY-SA
What is a road tunnel?

A road tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle.

Should you use headlights in a tunnel?

Follow the local lighting rules and traffic signs. Many countries require dipped headlights in tunnels even during daylight, while general visibility rules may also require vehicle lights.

Should you increase your following distance in a tunnel?

Yes. Additional distance gives more time to react to sudden congestion, a breakdown or another hazard where escape space may be limited.

Can you stop or park in a tunnel?

Voluntary stopping and parking are generally prohibited or strongly restricted in road tunnels. Drivers should stop only where permitted or when traffic, an emergency or another unavoidable situation requires it.

Can you reverse or make a U-turn in a tunnel?

Normally this should not be done unless specifically authorised or directed by emergency or traffic-control personnel. Motorway tunnels are additionally subject to the normal motorway prohibitions on reversing and U-turns.

What should you do if traffic stops in a tunnel?

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, follow traffic signals and instructions and avoid blocking emergency access. Switch on hazard warning lights where appropriate to warn following traffic.

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?

Move into an emergency bay or other safe position if possible, switch on the hazard warning lights and follow the tunnel's emergency procedures. Use an emergency telephone or contact the emergency services where necessary.

What should you do if there is a fire in a tunnel?

Follow the emergency signs and instructions immediately. If evacuation is necessary, leave the vehicle and use the indicated emergency exit rather than remaining in a dangerous traffic or smoke-filled area.

What are tunnel emergency exits?

Emergency exits provide a route away from the traffic tunnel during incidents such as a fire. Signs may indicate the nearest exit and the direction or distance to it.

Should you remove sunglasses before entering a tunnel?

Where necessary, removing dark sunglasses before entering can help your eyes adapt more quickly to the lower light level inside the tunnel.

Can speed limits change inside a tunnel?

Yes. Tunnels may have permanent or variable speed restrictions. Drivers must follow the speed limit currently indicated.

Can dangerous goods be restricted in tunnels?

Yes. Certain tunnels may restrict vehicles carrying dangerous goods because an incident in an enclosed space can create additional risks. Follow all applicable tunnel-category and dangerous-goods signs.

1 Slovenia 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Tunnel 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Speed bump 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Rockfall 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Traffic lights 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Traffic mirror 32 International border 33 Cycling route 34 Parking 35 No stopping 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Emergency exit 39 City limit 40 Licence plate 41 Charging station 42 Dangers 43 Dip 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Truck 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Taxi 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Street gutter 59 Cargo bike 60 Forestry vehicle 61 Construction vehicle 62 Semi-trailer truck 63 Trolleybus 64 Speed pedelec 65 Delivery vehicle 66 Idling 67 Tow truck 68 Four-wheel drive 69 No vehicles 70 Bicycle 71 Motorcycle equipment 72 Rail track 73 Caravan 74 Trailer 75 Tow hitch 76 Fire truck 77 Siren 78 Convoy 79 Emergency vehicle lighting 80 Agricultural machinery 81 Electric bicycle 82 Electric vehicle 83 Pedelec 84 Quadricycle 85 Microcar 86 All-terrain vehicle 87 Van 88 Recreational vehicle 89 Scooter 90 Trikke 91 Personal mobility device 92 Skateboard 93 Segway 94 Kick scooter 95 Roller skates 96 Mailman 97 Hitchhiker 98 Toddler 99 Child 100 Disability ...