The highway is full and so is your bladder: what to do?

Berlin – Nothing works anymore, the red brake lights come on. Stop – traffic jam. But now, more than ever, you’re desperate for that half-liter of lemonade. But where to get out? Get out of the car for a second and disappear behind the guardrail? According to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), this is not allowed, reports Auto Club Europe (ACE).

Therefore, highways are off limits regardless of whether traffic is moving or stopped. So they are not for a quick trip to the toilet. It is also taboo to stop on the hard shoulder, except in case of a breakdown or after an accident. You can stop here in case of an emergency. For example, a person riding a motorcycle in summer is at risk of heat stroke. Going to the toilet is usually not considered an emergency, whether the motorcycle has two wheels or four or more.

But what should we do now and what can we do? In a serious situation, the scope of action is limited. That is why ACE urgently recommends taking preventive measures. There are so-called emergency toilets or pocket toilets. They do not take up much space and come in different versions: for men, women and children.

The toilets in the camper can be used separately.

If you are stuck in traffic in a campervan and have a toilet on board, anyone can use the toilet, but only if the ignition is off and stationary. Then, once traffic starts moving again, all occupants have to get back in their seats. If you have a caravan with a toilet, the situation is different: you have to get out of the car and get onto the highway, so you can’t use the toilet.

It’s better to take early and regular breaks

To make sure the situation doesn’t become unnecessarily stressful, ACE recommends taking regular breaks. A break of at least 15 minutes at least every two hours or every 200 kilometers works well. You can also use that break to get to your destination. Toilet. A mobility app with real-time data can also help you avoid getting stuck in traffic for long periods and putting unnecessary strain on your bladder.

But “people caught in spontaneous, very long traffic jams and who absolutely cannot avoid illegally entering the highway should be particularly careful and pay attention to other road users,” says Svea Hagen of ACE. Emergency lanes and shoulders can be expected to be used at any time, even if the stoppage is for several hours.