Driving in tunnels
Driving in a tunnel is not quite the same as driving in the open air. A video series explains how to drive in a tunnel and covers the general traffic and safety rules that apply in French road tunnels. Some of the measures shown in the videos may vary locally to suit the conditions of a specific tunnel (length or number of vehicles using it each day).
On the road
Before setting off, check that the tunnel is open by consulting the Bison Futé website and the websites of road and tunnel operators.
You can also check whether there are any specific safety instructions.
Before entering a tunnel, pay attention to the information signs in the kilometres leading up to it, as well as the signs at the tunnel entrance.
Why not take a minute to brush up on the rules of the road with this video?
In summary
Before entering a tunnel, pay attention to the road signs in the kilometres leading up to it, as well as the signs at the tunnel entrance.
Turn on your dipped headlights and your car radio so that you can be quickly informed in the event of an incident.
When entering the tunnel, adjust your driving to comply with the speed limit and any specific safety distances. Inside the tunnel, blue marker lights on the side walls help you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Inside the tunnel, it is forbidden to turn around, to stop or to park (except in the emergency stopping areas provided for this purpose).
As you drive, look for the orange-marked emergency stations, where you will find a fire extinguisher and an emergency call box. Also look for the green-marked emergency exits; arrows indicate the nearest exit, which may be one of the tunnel entrances.
In the event of a breakdown
Before setting off, remember to check the condition of your vehicle and its tyres.
Before entering a tunnel, make sure that none of the warning lights on the vehicle’s dashboard are illuminated and that you have enough fuel, especially in long tunnels.
But what should you do if you break down in a tunnel?
Take a minute to learn the right steps to take with this video!
In summary
Before entering a tunnel, ensure that no warning lights are illuminated on the vehicle’s dashboard and that you have sufficient fuel, especially in long tunnels.
If, despite these precautions, your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel, switch on your hazard warning lights, pull over as far to the right as possible and switch off the ignition.
After putting on your high-visibility vest, carefully exit the vehicle. If your vehicle is obstructing the carriageway, use your warning triangle (rules may differ on motorways).
Walk along the pavement to the nearest emergency station to use the emergency telephone; these are located every 200 metres.
Follow the operator’s instructions and wait for the relevant services to arrive to assist you.
In the event of a fire
Let’s take a minute to check that you know what to do by watching this video!
Please note that in all cases, evacuation instructions are indicated in green.
In summary
Although rare, smoke may sometimes come out of your vehicle. In a tunnel, even more so than in the open air, you need to react quickly.
If the tunnel exit is close, try to keep driving.
But if the exit is far away or the fire is spreading, pull over as far to the right as possible and turn on your hazard lights. Then turn off the engine, put on your high-visibility vest and get all passengers out of the vehicle.
If a fire extinguisher is available, you can try to use it.
If the fire is in a vehicle in front of you, get out of your vehicle as well.
In some tunnels, an audible alert (siren, message on the car radio) will also warn you of the danger.
In any case, do not return to your vehicle.
You must evacuate the tunnel immediately by following the green arrows that indicate the nearest exit. This may be the entrance or exit of the tunnel, or an emergency exit marked in green. Once you are safe, contact the operator using the emergency call terminal and follow the instructions. The green arrows will lead you to the assembly point where you can wait for the emergency services to arrive.
In the event of fire, a flashing red light and sometimes a barrier or an illuminated red cross will indicate that vehicles are prohibited from entering and driving in the tunnel. It is important to respect these signs so as not to put yourself in danger.
Safety distances
In tunnels, as in the open air, it is important to observe safety distances.
To understand how to use the blue marker lights in tunnels to leave enough distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, watch this video!
In summary
In a tunnel, locate the blue markers and leave two markers between you and the vehicle in front of you. Maintain this distance throughout the tunnel and for the entire journey!