Slovenčina

Driving through a tunnel: 5 key rules to remember

Motorway tunnels form an integral part of a modern transport network. They simplify and speed up the traffic flow, and, in many cases, relieve residential areas of transit traffic. This was also confirmed by recent experience with the newly opened motorway tunnel, the longest in the V4 countries. The Višňové tunnel managed to relieve the congested roads in Žilina as well as the road below Strečno. However, driving through the tunnel has its specific features that require increased attention of drivers. By following the basic rules, the drivers themselves can contribute to a smooth and safe traffic flow. Therefore, Národná diaľničná spoločnosť, a.s. (National Motorway Company, hereafter referred to as “NDS”) would like to remind you of the five important rules to remember when passing through a motorway tunnel.
Feb 18, 2026

The drivers should drive with more consideration and pay greater attention to variable message signs already at the last motorway junction leading to the tunnel. Variable message signs always keep the drivers informed whether driving through the tunnel is possible and safe, considering eventual restrictions due to maintenance works or obstacles on the road. Therefore, it is important to respect the red lights located at the tunnel entrance and before each emergency bay. It is also important to pay attention to signage above traffic lanes – if there is a red cross signal above a lane, it is prohibited to drive in that lane, and drivers have to use the lane with a green arrow throughout the entire length of the tunne

The maximum speed limit in tunnels is usually 100km/h. This speed limit should not be exceeded under any circumstances. It is important to follow variable message signs that will automatically indicate a lower speed limit in case of any complication

“If you enter a tunnel and instead of 100 km/h you see a speed limit of 60km/h on the variable message sign, there is always a reason for it. It might be that our colleagues from the Motorway Patrol are just removing a potentially dangerous obstacle from the road a few kilometres ahead in the tunnel. We appeal to drivers to respect the speed limit and not put lives and health at risk in order to save a few minutes. They put not only themselves but also other road users in danger,” noted Rastislav Droppa, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and Operations Section Director at NDS. 

The same applies to keeping a safe distance between vehicles. According to the legislation, the driver has to maintain such a distance from the vehicle ahead that allows safe braking if the vehicle ahead slows down. Not keeping a safe following distance often leads to mass collisions, sometimes with serious consequences.

Drivers should focus solely on driving when passing through a tunnel. After the Višňové tunnel was put into operation, the motorway workers recorded many cases when drivers took pictures and videos in the tunnel while driving. The tunnel certainly is an interesting infrastructure element, but drivers need to remember that even a brief moment of not paying attention might lead to a complicated and dangerous traffic accident.

When driving in the tunnel, we recommend tuning in to the Radio Slovensko channel. The tunnel operator can broadcast traffic information on this radio frequency and keep drivers informed about the situation in the tunnel. This radio channel is available in every tunnel managed by NDS. It is highly recommended to listen to this radio channel in case of an emergency in the tunnel, such as fire. Drivers can hear the warning message that is broadcast through the tunnel's loudspeakers directly in the car, which increases their awareness and allows them to react more promptly.