Can you change lanes on a dashed line in a tunnel?
2 Answers
Tunnel dashed lines do not allow lane changes. Here are the precautions for driving in a tunnel: Approaching the tunnel: Carefully observe traffic signs or information boards. Trucks should pay special attention to height restrictions, and vehicles exceeding the height limit are strictly prohibited from entering the tunnel. Do not rely on intuition to judge speed while driving in a tunnel; always confirm your speed using the speedometer and maintain an appropriate following distance. Reduce driving speed: Due to the difference in brightness inside and outside the tunnel, the human eye undergoes a dark adaptation process when entering the tunnel and a light adaptation process when exiting. During these processes, the driver's vision is impaired, so it is necessary to slow down. No unauthorized parking: Since tunnels are narrower than the road outside, especially the shoulder width, which is designed based on the minimum basic width, parking is strictly prohibited inside the tunnel to avoid traffic congestion. If a vehicle breaks down in the tunnel, immediately notify the tunnel entrance and arrange to have the vehicle towed out; do not attempt repairs inside the tunnel.
As someone with over a decade of driving experience, while dashed lines in tunnels theoretically allow lane changes, I strongly advise against taking the risk. Tunnels are narrow, enclosed spaces with drastic light variations—transitioning from bright entrances to dim interiors in mere seconds can blur vision and lead to misjudgment. A momentary lapse during lane changes could result in scraping walls or rear-ending others. Many regional traffic laws explicitly prohibit lane changes throughout tunnels, with dashed lines primarily serving as lane dividers rather than permission to switch lanes. The essence of safe driving lies in anticipating risks: tunnels have high accident rates, where wind speed fluctuations and echo interference amplify mistakes. Cultivate the habit of selecting your lane before entering, maintaining steady speed—adjusting post-tunnel is always safer. Never gamble with lives to save a few seconds; true skill lies in arriving safely.
