First priority: people before the vehicle
A tunnel breakdown can feel stressful because traffic is close, noise is high and there may be limited room to pull over. The most important rule is simple: protect people first and worry about the car after the scene is safe.
Turn your hazard lights on as soon as you notice the vehicle losing power, overheating, showing warning lights or cutting out. If the car still moves and it is safe, carefully move toward a breakdown bay, emergency stopping area or the left side. Do not make sudden lane changes or stop somewhere more dangerous just to get out of traffic.
If the car will not move, stay calm and visible
If the vehicle stops and cannot move any further, keep your hazard lights on and stay calm. Brisbane tunnels and toll-road sections may have cameras, electronic signs, emergency phones and incident-response systems to help manage stopped vehicles.
Do not stand behind the car. Do not walk through live lanes. Do not try to push the vehicle. A small mechanical problem can become much more dangerous if people leave the vehicle in the wrong place.
Follow tunnel signs and operator instructions
Look at the electronic signs inside the tunnel. They may tell drivers to slow down, change lanes, stop, stay in the vehicle or evacuate. You may also hear instructions through speakers or radio updates.
If tunnel staff, police, emergency services or road operators give instructions, follow those directions first. Tunnel incidents often need traffic control before a private tow truck can safely access the vehicle.
Use an emergency phone if it is nearby and safe
If there is an emergency phone close by and you can reach it safely, use it to contact the tunnel control room. This can help the operator identify your exact location inside the tunnel.
If it is unsafe to leave the vehicle, use your mobile phone instead. For injury, fire, smoke, crash, blocked traffic or immediate danger, call emergency services on 000.
Do not try to repair the car inside the tunnel
A tunnel is not the place to check under the bonnet, change a tyre, jump-start a battery, push the car, add fuel or inspect the vehicle from the traffic side.
Common tunnel breakdown causes include overheating, flat battery, limp mode, transmission problems, flat tyres, fuel issues, warning lights, a vehicle stuck in park or an engine cutting out suddenly. Whatever the cause, wait until the vehicle is safe to access before repairs or towing are arranged.
Call tunnel or toll-road assistance if required
If the breakdown is inside a Brisbane toll-road tunnel or on a tunnel approach, the road operator may need to assist before towing can happen. This is normal. Some situations require lane management, traffic control or an incident-response vehicle before the vehicle can be recovered.
Once the vehicle is safe to recover and access is confirmed, you can arrange towing from the tunnel area, exit, safe bay, nearby road, workshop, home or mechanic.
Details to give the tow truck company
When you call for towing, clear location details help avoid delays. “I am in a tunnel” is not enough. Try to explain exactly where the vehicle is and whether operator assistance is already on site.
- Tunnel or toll-road name, such as Clem7, AirportlinkM7 or Legacy Way.
- Direction of travel and nearest entry or exit.
- Whether the vehicle is in a live lane, breakdown bay, shoulder, ramp or outside the tunnel.
- Vehicle make, model and registration if available.
- Whether the car starts, rolls, steers and brakes.
- Whether the vehicle is stuck in park or has no keys.
- Where the vehicle needs to be taken.
Can a tow truck collect a car from inside a tunnel?
In many cases, a vehicle can be recovered from a tunnel or tunnel-area breakdown, but it depends on access, traffic control, safety and operator instructions. A tow truck may not be able to simply enter and load the vehicle until the tunnel operator has made the scene safe.
TowFast Brisbane can assist with breakdown towing once the vehicle is safe to recover and access is confirmed.
Brisbane tunnel and toll-road areas where this can happen
Tunnel and toll-road breakdowns can happen around Clem7, AirportlinkM7, Legacy Way, Inner City Bypass connections, airport links, Gateway Motorway approaches and Brisbane CBD tunnel entries and exits.
If your vehicle starts showing warning signs before you enter a tunnel, it is usually safer to pull over before the tunnel if you can do so legally and safely.
Useful official safety information
For general tunnel safety guidance, you can check Queensland Government tunnel safety information at TMR tunnel safety. For toll-road incident and breakdown guidance, check your toll-road operator information, including Linkt toll-road breakdown help.
Need towing after a Brisbane tunnel breakdown?
If your car has broken down in or near a Brisbane tunnel, TowFast Brisbane can help once the vehicle is safe to recover and access is confirmed. We can assist with breakdown towing, non-running car towing, tilt tray towing and vehicles that need transport to a mechanic, home or workshop.
Once people are safe and access is confirmed, call 0434 869 062 or request a towing quote.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my car breaks down in a Brisbane tunnel?
Turn your hazard lights on, move to a safer stopping area only if you can do it safely, follow tunnel signs or operator instructions, and call for help if needed.
Should I get out of the car in a tunnel breakdown?
Not always. Stay in the vehicle unless it is safer to exit, there is smoke or fire, or tunnel staff, police or emergency services tell you to evacuate.
Can TowFast tow my car from a Brisbane tunnel?
TowFast can assist with breakdown towing once the vehicle is safe to recover and access is confirmed. Some tunnel and toll-road breakdowns may need operator or incident-response attendance first.
What if my car is blocking a lane?
Turn on hazard lights and call for help immediately. Do not stand behind the vehicle and do not try to push it through live traffic.
What details should I give the tow truck company?
Give the tunnel name, direction of travel, nearest exit, whether the car is in a lane or safe bay, vehicle type, whether it starts or rolls, and where it needs to be taken.