TunnelSwitzerland
11. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What should I check before entering a tunnel in Switzerland?
Use dipped headlights in road tunnels. Daytime running lights are not a substitute for the required tunnel lighting. Follow the entrance signals and maintain a safe following distance.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Arts 4a,30,35,39; OSR Art 45: tunnel controls
Does a tunnel sign in Switzerland set a universal speed limit?
No single speed can be read from the tunnel pictogram. Apply the road’s relevant limit and any permanent or electronic speed restriction, and drive more slowly when visibility, queues or another hazard require it.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Arts 4a,30,35,39; OSR Art 45: tunnel controls
Start of a tunnel.
English • Traffic sign 4.07 • Tunnel.
Deutsch • Verkehrssignal 4.07 • Tunnel.
Français • Signal 4.07 • Tunnel.
Italiano • Segnale 4.07 • Galleria.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • SSV, Anhang 2 (DE)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSR, annexe 2 (FR)
🔗 Fedlex.admin.ch • OSStr, allegato 2 (IT)
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) • Public domain • Original revision 2017-06-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork reviewed against the Swiss signalling ordinance, version 1 October 2026, annex 2: Fedlex.admin.ch • Signal 4.07, PDF page 113. Catalogue-equivalent illustration; intentional update from the previous PNG. This is an educational illustration, not a manufacturing specification.
Is every tunnel in Switzerland open to pedestrians and cyclists?
No. Check the road category and access signs before entering. A motorway tunnel, a vehicle-restricted tunnel and a purpose-built walking or cycling underpass have different access arrangements. Emergency evacuation routes do not establish ordinary public access.
🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • OCR Arts 4a,30,35,39; OSR Art 45: tunnel controls

Traffic rules
Switzerland