ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
We got an email from a viewer recently that made us pause — and not just because of the mental image. They spotted a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road: one person was changing a child, the other, well, was relieving themselves.
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.
But before you breathe a sigh of relief (no pun intended), many cities and counties do. So depending where you are, what might feel like a desperate moment could still earn you a ticket — or worse, a misdemeanor for indecent exposure. Yes, even if you “go” with your car door shielding you like a paper-thin privacy screen.
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).
[VIDEO BELOW: Can I ride in the back of a pickup?]