TunnelTurkey

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Turkey. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


5. 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
Halil Rıfat Paşa Tunnel on the Giresun–Şebinkarahisar road. (Dereli, Giresun, Turkey)
Wikimedia.org • Zcebeci • CC BY-SA
What should I check before entering a tunnel in Turkey?

Read the tunnel sign together with any speed, clearance, vehicle-class and lane restrictions. The Turkish road-sign manual distinguishes these instructions; the tunnel symbol does not override a separate prohibition or traffic signal.

🔗 mevzuat.gov.tr • Türkiye — Articles 52, 54 and 60–61; tunnel and access signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — full national traffic-sign standards, meanings and placement

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — national sign chart, including shared and separate walking/cycling signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — official 2025 sign-standard updates

Does a tunnel sign in Turkey set a universal speed limit?

No single speed can be read from the tunnel pictogram. Apply the road’s relevant limit and any permanent or electronic speed restriction, and drive more slowly when visibility, queues or another hazard require it.

🔗 mevzuat.gov.tr • Türkiye — Articles 52, 54 and 60–61; tunnel and access signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — full national traffic-sign standards, meanings and placement

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — national sign chart, including shared and separate walking/cycling signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — official 2025 sign-standard updates

Is every tunnel in Turkey open to pedestrians and cyclists?

No. Check the road category and access signs before entering. A motorway tunnel, a vehicle-restricted tunnel and a purpose-built walking or cycling underpass have different access arrangements. Emergency evacuation routes do not establish ordinary public access.

🔗 mevzuat.gov.tr • Türkiye — Articles 52, 54 and 60–61; tunnel and access signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — full national traffic-sign standards, meanings and placement

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — national sign chart, including shared and separate walking/cycling signs

🔗 kgm.gov.tr • KGM — official 2025 sign-standard updates

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