TúnelEspaña
Normas de tráfico
España
8. Túnel
Un túnel es un paso cubierto que lleva una carretera a través o por debajo de un obstáculo como una colina, montaña, edificio, vía de agua u otra ruta de transporte. Los túneles de carretera pueden contener uno o más carriles y admitir tráfico en uno o ambos sentidos.
Conducir en un túnel requiere especial atención porque la visibilidad, las vías de escape disponibles y el espacio para evitar peligros son limitados. Los conductores deben respetar las normas aplicables de iluminación, velocidad, carril y distancia de seguimiento y prestar atención a las salidas de emergencia, señales luminosas y paneles de mensaje variable.
What is a road tunnel?
A road tunnel is a covered passage that carries a road through or beneath an obstacle.
Should you use headlights in a tunnel?
Follow the local lighting rules and traffic signs. Many countries require dipped headlights in tunnels even during daylight, while general visibility rules may also require vehicle lights.
Should you increase your following distance in a tunnel?
Yes. Additional distance gives more time to react to sudden congestion, a breakdown or another hazard where escape space may be limited.
Can you stop or park in a tunnel?
Voluntary stopping and parking are generally prohibited or strongly restricted in road tunnels. Drivers should stop only where permitted or when traffic, an emergency or another unavoidable situation requires it.
Can you reverse or make a U-turn in a tunnel?
Normally this should not be done unless specifically authorised or directed by emergency or traffic-control personnel. Motorway tunnels are additionally subject to the normal motorway prohibitions on reversing and U-turns.
What should you do if traffic stops in a tunnel?
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, follow traffic signals and instructions and avoid blocking emergency access. Switch on hazard warning lights where appropriate to warn following traffic.
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel?
Move into an emergency bay or other safe position if possible, switch on the hazard warning lights and follow the tunnel's emergency procedures. Use an emergency telephone or contact the emergency services where necessary.
What should you do if there is a fire in a tunnel?
Follow the emergency signs and instructions immediately. If evacuation is necessary, leave the vehicle and use the indicated emergency exit rather than remaining in a dangerous traffic or smoke-filled area.
What are tunnel emergency exits?
Emergency exits provide a route away from the traffic tunnel during incidents such as a fire. Signs may indicate the nearest exit and the direction or distance to it.
Should you remove sunglasses before entering a tunnel?
Where necessary, removing dark sunglasses before entering can help your eyes adapt more quickly to the lower light level inside the tunnel.
Can speed limits change inside a tunnel?
Yes. Tunnels may have permanent or variable speed restrictions. Drivers must follow the speed limit currently indicated.
Can dangerous goods be restricted in tunnels?
Yes. Certain tunnels may restrict vehicles carrying dangerous goods because an incident in an enclosed space can create additional risks. Follow all applicable tunnel-category and dangerous-goods signs.
