As of: March 7, 2024, 2:55 p.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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Even if nothing is moving in a traffic jam, getting out on the motorway is forbidden.
But what to do when there is an urgent human need?
For the experts at ACE there is only one solution.
A trip on vacation needs to be well planned.
To minimize the risk of a breakdown, you should definitely check the car thoroughly before setting off - or have it checked in a workshop.
In order to avoid any unpleasant financial surprises, it is important to take toll fees in other European countries into account and possibly plan refueling stops in such a way that you save as much money as possible.
But no matter how well you plan, you are simply not immune to some imponderables such as a traffic jam.
It becomes problematic when you urgently need to go to the toilet.
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Urgent need in a traffic jam: Getting out on the highway is prohibited
What used to be common: the toilet paper roll on the hat shelf.
© Joko/Imago
It's a situation that many people have probably experienced on a car trip: a human need arises, but you think: It's not far to the destination, it's still possible.
But then it happens as it has to happen: a traffic jam - nothing works anymore.
So what to do?
The bad news: According to Section 18 Paragraph 9 of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), it is forbidden to leave your vehicle on the motorway.
It says: “People walking are not allowed to enter motorways.”
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Don't get out despite an urgent need: what an automobile club advises
But sometimes things have to happen quickly, especially with children.
The
Auto Club Europa (ACE)
therefore recommends taking so-called “emergency toilets” or “pocket toilets” (
promotional link
) with you on longer journeys.
These are not only available for children, but also for adult women and men and can be obtained for a few euros - for example on the Internet.
Even if the use of such products may sound unusual or even strange to some, “using them is definitely more advisable than potentially risking your life by walking on the road,” explains the
ACE.
For example, there are always people who use the emergency lane or the hard shoulder to get ahead - even though this is of course forbidden.
Editor's note: This text has already appeared in the past. Many readers were particularly interested in it. That's why we're offering it again.
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Toilet in the motorhome: When you can use it in traffic jams
Travelers who travel in a motorhome definitely have advantages in this regard.
“If the ignition is off and the camper is stationary, the on-board toilet can be used,” explains the automobile club.
But be careful: As soon as traffic starts moving again, all passengers must be back in their seats.
Unfortunately, this doesn't work with a caravan: the occupants of the towing vehicle would first have to leave the vehicle and enter the road to use the toilet.