ORLANDO, Fla. – Trooper Steve, the News 6 traffic safety expert, addresses viewers’ inquiries about driving regulations, aiming to enhance the driving knowledge of Florida locals.
Recently, a viewer emailed us a scenario that made us stop and think—maybe due to the vivid picture it painted. They observed a vehicle stopped at the roadside: one individual was occupied in changing a child, while the other was attending to nature’s call.
Naturally, the question that followed was, “Is that even legal?”
Florida Law: Gray Area of Roadside Relief
Technically, Florida doesn’t have a statewide public urination law.
However, pause before you feel any form of relief (pun intended). Many areas have specific laws about such situations. Depending on your location, what seems like a necessary action could result in a ticket or, worse, a misdemeanor charge for indecent exposure. This applies even if your car door is serving as a flimsy cover.
And besides the legal stuff, let’s talk safety: pulling over on a highway puts you in a vulnerable position. Distracted drivers, low visibility or even wildlife can turn a roadside break into a serious situation fast.
Diaper Duty: Is Changing a Baby on the Side of the Road Legal?
I’m not a parent, so I’m not going to pretend to know the struggle of a diaper blowout mid-road trip. But I am someone who’s seen what happens when people underestimate roadside dangers.
It might feel like you’re doing your best in the moment (and you probably are), but pulling onto the shoulder to change a child, especially in traffic-heavy or narrow shoulder areas, is just not safe. Not for you, and definitely not for your kid.
Yes, I get it, some messes are, shall we say, emergencies, but taking a few extra minutes to find a gas station, rest stop or even a wide, safe parking lot could make all the difference. Your future self will thank you for not trying to wrangle baby wipes while semitrailers fly by.
We’re human. Emergencies happen. But let’s do our best to avoid creating more danger in the name of solving one.
If you absolutely must pull over, do it as far off the roadway as possible and with hazards on. Better yet, plan ahead, especially if you’ve got kids.
Oh, and to whoever sent that email, thanks for sparking the conversation. Just another day in the wild world of Florida roads.
Stay safe (and maybe hold it just a little longer).
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