Can you change lanes on a tunnel dotted line?
2 Answers
Tunnel dotted lines do not allow lane changes. Inside the tunnel, you should follow the vehicle in front in sequence and avoid changing lanes or overtaking. Because tunnels have fewer lanes and relatively poor visibility, you should slow down in advance before entering the tunnel, clearly observe the internal conditions, and maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front at the specified speed. Precautions for driving through tunnels: Be especially careful when exiting the tunnel, as sometimes the sunlight outside can be blinding; other times, especially in long mountain tunnels, the weather might be fine before entering the tunnel, but there could be rain, snow, or thick fog at the exit, leading to accidents if unprepared. Some tunnel exits may also have curves or uphill/downhill slopes, and lack of anticipation can also cause accidents. If a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident inside the tunnel and cannot leave the scene immediately, turn on the hazard warning lights and place a warning sign 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. The driver and passengers should quickly exit the vehicle and leave the tunnel along the side to the roadside guardrail, then call the police immediately to avoid secondary accidents inside the tunnel.
I thought about this during my last long-distance drive. In theory, you can change lanes when you see dashed lines in a tunnel, but I sincerely advise against it. Tunnels are narrow and poorly lit, and drivers behind you take time to adjust their eyes to the darkness, so their reaction is slower. Once, I was following too closely when the car ahead suddenly changed lanes, and I had to slam on the brakes—water bottles in the trunk spilled everywhere. Think about it: the risk of rear-end collisions in tunnels is at least 30% higher than on regular roads. Plus, many tunnels have full surveillance, and crossing the line will get you a ticket—more effective than coffee at waking you up. If you're in a hurry, just wait until you're out of the tunnel to change lanes. Safety first.
