DKTQuick facts
- Remove sunglasses and turn on your headlights before entering.
- Tunnels usually have variable speed limits. Lower limits apply when traffic is congested or after an incident.
- Do not stop or reverse in a tunnel unless in an emergency or directed by the tunnel controller.
- If you break down, switch on hazard lights and the radio, and stay in your vehicle unless there is a fire or you are told to leave.
Before and while you drive through
- Take off sunglasses and put your headlights on so others can see you.
- Look for speed limit signs and stay within the limit for the conditions.
- Obey variable message and lane control signs, and stay out of closed lanes. Do this even if you cannot see the problem, and always follow tunnel controller instructions.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles (see the two-second rule).
- Avoid changing lanes and overtaking. If you really must pass something such as a broken-down vehicle, be sure you are clear of all other traffic, it is safe, and you indicate.
- Turn your radio on: tunnels re-broadcast safety and traffic information through car radios and the public announcement system.
- Never reverse. Do not enter if your fuel is very low or you think you might break down.
If your vehicle breaks down
- If you can, drive out of the tunnel. Try to keep going even if your vehicle is damaged or has a mechanical problem.
- Otherwise stop in a right or left lane, not the centre lane.
- Switch on your hazard lights and the radio.
- Stay calm. An incident response unit will reach you as quickly as it can.
- Stay in your vehicle unless there is a fire or the control room asks you to evacuate.
If you have to get out
- Watch carefully for traffic and move to the walkway or in front of your vehicle. Never stand behind it.
- In an evacuation, look for the running man symbols and flashing lights to find a safe exit.
Tunnel speed limits are one example of variable limits: see speed limits in Victoria.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
Do you need headlights on in a tunnel in Victoria?
The handbook says to turn on your headlights so your vehicle is more visible, and to remove sunglasses before you enter.
What should you do if your car breaks down in a tunnel?
Drive out if you can. If not, stop in a right or left lane (not the centre lane), turn on hazard lights and the radio, and stay in the vehicle unless there is a fire or you are told to evacuate.