Can you overtake on dashed lines in tunnels?

[MatthewLynn]

Tunnel dashed lines do not allow overtaking. Here is additional information: Reasons: Because tunnels have fewer lanes and relatively poor visibility, you should first slow down before entering the tunnel, clearly observe the internal conditions, and maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead according to the prescribed speed limit. Follow the vehicle ahead in sequence inside the tunnel and do not change lanes to overtake. Relevant regulations: Article 36 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states that roads are divided into motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and sidewalks based on road conditions and traffic needs. Motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians shall travel in their respective lanes. If there is no division of motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, or sidewalks, motor vehicles shall travel in the middle of the road, while non-motor vehicles and pedestrians shall travel on both sides of the road.

[CarmenLee]

I encountered this situation in a highway tunnel just the other day, so I specifically checked the traffic regulations. Even if the lane markings inside the tunnel are dashed lines, overtaking is generally not allowed. Due to the narrow space and dim lighting in tunnels, overtaking poses high risks and increases the chances of colliding with the walls or other vehicles. I've personally witnessed accidents caused by overtaking in tunnels while driving on highways before, and it was really terrifying. In fact, changing lanes in tunnels is quite dangerous, so it's best to just stay in your lane. If you're in a hurry, don't risk those few minutes—safety should always come first. If you really must overtake, wait until you're out of the tunnel. After all, getting caught for a violation could mean points deducted and fines to pay.

[BlakelyDella]

This issue really resonates with me! Last month during a road trip in the Qinling Tunnel, there was a slow-moving truck ahead of me, and I wondered if I could overtake on the dashed line. Later, I asked a traffic police friend and learned that overtaking is generally prohibited in tunnels, even on dashed lines. Think about it - poor visibility and limited space in tunnels make it impossible to avoid oncoming vehicles in time. Plus, many tunnels have violation cameras installed on the ceiling, and getting caught means a solid 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points. I've since learned my lesson and now just follow the car ahead patiently in tunnels - it's only a matter of minutes anyway. Driving safety is more important than anything else, and it's really not worth taking risks for such a short time.

[Myers]

Let me share a real-life experience to illustrate. Last year, my friend was not only fined for overtaking in a tunnel but also nearly got into a serious accident. Due to the dim lighting, he failed to see an oncoming vehicle and almost had a head-on collision. Traffic regulations clearly state that overtaking is prohibited in tunnels—the dashed lines are lane markers, not permission to overtake. Tunnels have poor air circulation and loud noise, making it easy to misjudge distances. After ten years of driving, I've learned this: the shorter the tunnel, the more dangerous it is to overtake because visibility changes too abruptly. If you must overtake, wait until you're out of the tunnel where visibility is better. Your life is worth far more than those few minutes saved.