Is overtaking and lane changing allowed in tunnels?
2 Answers
Tunnels do not allow overtaking or lane changing. Below are the precautions for driving in tunnels: 1. When approaching a 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. Inside the tunnel, do not rely on intuition to judge speed; always confirm your speed using the speedometer and maintain an appropriate following distance. 2. Reduce driving speed: Due to the difference in brightness inside and outside the tunnel, the human eye needs time to adjust when entering (dark adaptation) and exiting (light adaptation). During this process, the driver's vision is impaired, so it is essential to slow down. 3. No random stopping: Tunnels are generally narrower than the roads outside, especially the shoulder width, which is designed based on minimal basic width. Therefore, stopping randomly inside the tunnel is strictly prohibited to avoid traffic congestion. If a vehicle breaks down in the tunnel, immediately notify the tunnel entrance and arrange to tow the vehicle out of the tunnel; do not attempt repairs inside.
Overtaking and changing lanes in tunnels is something I think should never be done! The space inside a tunnel is as cramped as a can, and the lighting flickers between bright and dark, making it easy to lose reaction time when overtaking. If a collision occurs, triggering a fire or blockage, escaping would be extremely difficult. I’ve seen news reports where someone changing lanes in a tunnel caused a rear-end collision that blocked the exit, delaying rescue efforts. Traffic rules explicitly prohibit this to protect everyone—choosing the right lane and maintaining a steady speed before entering the tunnel is the safest approach. Remember: visibility is limited, and air quality is poor in tunnels. The risks of reckless lane changes are too high—it’s better to wait patiently until exiting the tunnel before making any moves. Safety comes first; don’t gamble with your life or others’.
