TunnelItaly
Traffic rules
Italy
1. 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.
What should I check before entering a tunnel in Italy?
Use the prescribed lighting in a galleria, including by day. Ordinary stopping and parking are prohibited in tunnels unless the applicable signs provide otherwise; traffic-required or emergency stops are different.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–39, 141–142, 153, 157–158, 175–176
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 158
🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 176
Start of a tunnel.
English • Traffic sign II.316 • Tunnel. Marks the entrance to a natural or artificial tunnel. Reminds drivers that dipped headlights are compulsory and stopping, parking and U-turns are prohibited. If stopped by traffic, switch off the engine.
Italiano • Figura II.316 • Galleria. Indica l’inizio di una galleria naturale o artificiale. Ricorda l’obbligo delle luci anabbaglianti e il divieto di fermata, sosta e inversione di marcia. In caso di arresto dovuto al traffico occorre spegnere il motore.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 135, comma 10
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.316 • pagina 314
SVG source: F l a n k e r • Public domain • Original revision 2023-11-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a tunnel sign in Italy 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.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–39, 141–142, 153, 157–158, 175–176
Is every tunnel in Italy 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.
🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–39, 141–142, 153, 157–158, 175–176
