Can you get out of the car in a traffic jam? The answer is clear, but ...
Kilometre-long traffic jams, such as at Easter or Whitsun, always invite numerous people to take a walk on the highway. But is this even allowed? The TCS explains.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- In principle, it is forbidden to enter the highway.
- However, the police tolerate people getting out of their cars during long traffic jams.
- Nevertheless, the TCS urges caution. Children in particular should be watched carefully and should refrain from playing on the road.
As always, there were long traffic jams in front of the tunnel entrance in Göschenen at Whitsun 2024. As could be seen on live cams, a number of people got out of their stationary vehicles and entered the highway. This was followed by walks and chats on the hard shoulder - one person even lay down in the middle of the road in a relaxed position.
But is that even allowed?
Am I allowed to get out of the car in a traffic jam?
The answer: Yes and no. As the TCS confirmed on request, entering the freeway is generally prohibited. However, if you get out of your car during a traffic jam, you do not have to expect a fine.
"The police tolerate this, but you have to be very careful," warns Vanessa Flack, media spokesperson for the TCS, to blue News. There are also dangers during a traffic jam. For example, due to motorcycles driving ahead without permission, car doors opening abruptly or poor visibility.
"That's why you shouldn't start playing or picnicking on the highway. You must always be aware of the danger and keep a particularly close eye on children," explains Flack. It is also essential to wear high-visibility vests when it gets dark or visibility is poor.
More about traffic jams
We never learn: Easter traffic at the Gotthard with a huge rush at the car loading station on the Gotthard route. (Picture from April 4, 1958)
Image: KEYSTONE/PHOTOPRESS-ARCHIV/Jules Vogt
Even almost 10 years later, things don't look much better: The vacation queue winds its way northwards in the Schöllenen near the Gotthard. (Picture from August 6, 1969)
Image: (KEYSTONE/Str)
You really wouldn't want to be a bus driver here. On July 11, 1981, there was also a traffic jam in the form of a loooong queue of cars snaking down the Gotthard ramp.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
The traffic was - as always - at a standstill in front of the Gotthard. It doesn't seem to matter whether it's Easter, spring, summer or fall vacation: Everyone just always wants to go to Ticino. Admittedly, it is simply beautiful there. (Picture from April 1981.)
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
Just don't lose your nerve: Have a drink, sit back and enjoy the sun (or if it rains, be glad you don't get wet). (Travelers in the Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard, March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
Sufficient snacks are also a must. This was as true then as it is now: Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard, travelers picnicking on their hoods. (Picture from March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
A traffic jam is the perfect opportunity to finally (finish) that book you've been carrying around with you the whole time. Maybe that's what this boy thought when he turned the hood of his car into his reading chair during the annual Easter traffic jam on March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
It doesn't look much better in color... It may look like a folk festival, but it's a traffic jam on the north-south link, the Gotthard route. What else? (Picture from July 11, 1981.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
This picture is probably familiar to us all: on the outward journey as well as the return journey through the Gotthard. (Picture from April 13, 2009, return trip traffic on the Gotthard highway before Airolo)
Image: KEYSTONE/Karl Mathis
At least there are some very nice views from time to time. For example, when you get stuck in Beckenried (NW) like these poor souls on April 10, 1989. Before the Seelisberg tunnel, the vehicles were lined up in kilometers-long columns.
Image: KEYSTONE/SIGI TISCHLER
We never learn: Easter traffic at the Gotthard with a huge rush at the car loading station on the Gotthard route. (Picture from April 4, 1958)
Image: KEYSTONE/PHOTOPRESS-ARCHIV/Jules Vogt
Even almost 10 years later, things don't look much better: The vacation queue winds its way northwards in the Schöllenen near the Gotthard. (Picture from August 6, 1969)
Image: (KEYSTONE/Str)
You really wouldn't want to be a bus driver here. On July 11, 1981, there was also a traffic jam in the form of a loooong queue of cars snaking down the Gotthard ramp.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
The traffic was - as always - at a standstill in front of the Gotthard. It doesn't seem to matter whether it's Easter, spring, summer or fall vacation: Everyone just always wants to go to Ticino. Admittedly, it is simply beautiful there. (Picture from April 1981.)
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
Just don't lose your nerve: Have a drink, sit back and enjoy the sun (or if it rains, be glad you don't get wet). (Travelers in the Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard, March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
Sufficient snacks are also a must. This was as true then as it is now: Easter traffic jam at the Gotthard, travelers picnicking on their hoods. (Picture from March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
A traffic jam is the perfect opportunity to finally (finish) that book you've been carrying around with you the whole time. Maybe that's what this boy thought when he turned the hood of his car into his reading chair during the annual Easter traffic jam on March 23, 1983.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
It doesn't look much better in color... It may look like a folk festival, but it's a traffic jam on the north-south link, the Gotthard route. What else? (Picture from July 11, 1981.
Image: KEYSTONE/Str
This picture is probably familiar to us all: on the outward journey as well as the return journey through the Gotthard. (Picture from April 13, 2009, return trip traffic on the Gotthard highway before Airolo)
Image: KEYSTONE/Karl Mathis
At least there are some very nice views from time to time. For example, when you get stuck in Beckenried (NW) like these poor souls on April 10, 1989. Before the Seelisberg tunnel, the vehicles were lined up in kilometers-long columns.
Image: KEYSTONE/SIGI TISCHLER