It is well known by all drivers that, on the road, attention and safety are of the utmost importance. However, it should be noted that when driving through tunnels we must take even more precautions. Conflict situations and accidents are more dangerous in tunnels and underpasses, since there is less visibility, poorer ventilation, the road has less grip than outside and access for emergency services is more complicated.
In this regard, there are a series of specific regulations that are applied to maximize safety when we travel through a tunnel or an underpass. If you do not respect them –whether due to ignorance or imprudence–, you expose yourself to fines and, in some cases, also to the withdrawal of points on the driving license.
Article 115 of the General Traffic Regulations (RGC) emphasizes that "any driver who is forced to remain with his vehicle stopped inside a tunnel or other closed place, for a period of time greater than two minutes, must interrupt the engine running until you can continue driving, keeping the position lighting on. If you do not comply with this maximum, you can receive a penalty of 80 euros.
Before entering a tunnel or an underpass, you must turn on the low beams to have better visibility. If you do not, the fine amounts to 200 euros.
In a tunnel you can only overtake if there is more than one lane for each direction of traffic. This is stated in article 95 of the General Traffic Regulations. If you do not respect this regulation, you could receive a fine of 200 euros and lose up to four points from your card.
In accordance with article 95 of the RGC, in tunnels "when overtaking is not intended, a safety distance must be maintained at all times with the preceding vehicle of at least 100 meters or a minimum interval of four seconds". In the event of non-compliance, the fine is 200 euros, with the withdrawal of four points from the card.
Reversing in a tunnel is prohibited. Nor can you make a change of direction, specifically included in article 79 of the RGC. For non-compliance with both rules, the fine is 200 euros and four points will be withdrawn from the card.
According to article 94 of the RGC, it is prohibited to stop the vehicle in tunnels and underpasses. If you did, the fine would be 200 euros.
As in all areas of driving, you must respect the traffic rules. If you enter a tunnel with a red traffic light at its access, or fail to comply with the instructions of the agents, you are exposed to a fine of 200 euros and the withdrawal of four points from the card.
