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TunnelWorldwide

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

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Worldwide

15. 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.

Scenario with two burning trucks in the training tunnel facility of the International Fire Academy in Lungern is based on the fire in the Gotthard road tunnel on 24 October 2001.
Wikimedia.org • Markus Vogt • 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 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...