Anticipating a bustling atmosphere next weekend!

With the summer season in full swing, many of us are hitting the roads for holidays and adventures. However, heavy traffic can often put a damper on our plans. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate the roads more smoothly, along with some useful real-time apps to keep you informed.

First, let's talk about Inrix, a standout app that not only provides traffic information but also forecasts the most favourable departure times and sends a departure alarm. This feature can help you avoid the peak congestion times and reach your destination more efficiently.

Now, let's address a common question: Can you use a motorhome's toilet while stationary on the highway? The answer is no, but if you find yourself stuck in traffic, you can use the toilet as long as the ignition is off. Once traffic starts moving again, all occupants must be back in their seats.

The German autobahns are expecting high traffic volumes over the weekend of August 29 to 31, 2025. Major routes in both directions, such as the A3 (Linz–Passau), A8 (Salzburg–Munich), and A93 (near Kiefersfelden), will see significant congestion. Southbound traffic in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg will also be affected due to ongoing school holidays. Additionally, routes to and from the North and Baltic Sea coasts, and through major urban areas like Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich, will be particularly affected by high traffic volumes and numerous construction sites, causing bottlenecks. Peak congestion times are expected Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon, with the season’s last Saturday LKW driving ban still active on August 30.

When traffic becomes heavier, it's crucial to increase the distance to the vehicle ahead and reduce speed in good time and evenly. Talking on the phone while driving is only allowed if the engine is off and the vehicle is stationary, or if a hands-free device is active.

When approaching a traffic jam, the hazard warning lights should be turned on as soon as possible and braking should be done as gently as possible. On a two-lane highway, the emergency lane is formed between the left and right lanes. On three or more lanes, it runs between the lane farthest to the left and the lane to its right. The emergency lane must be formed immediately in case of (impending) traffic jam - and not only when an emergency vehicle is within sight or hearing range.

Motorcyclists are not allowed to filter through the emergency lane in traffic. Highways may not be entered for a quick toilet break. If the car is fully packed for the holiday, it's also a good idea to have a warning vest and triangle readily available.

Real-time data apps like Waze, Inrix, Here, and Blitzer.de can help prevent getting stuck in long traffic jams and thus subjecting the bladder to unnecessary stress. Waze focuses more on networking through registration in its own community, while Blitzer.de also offers a well-functioning warning for traffic jams and roadworks.

Remember, it's important to always expect heavy or stationary traffic, calculate more time, and have enough drinks or food on board in case of a complete closure. Unnecessary lane changes do not result in measurable time savings and only increase the risk of accidents. The hard shoulder is intended exclusively for vehicles with a breakdown. Getting out of the car is explicitly prohibited by the Highway Code.

In uncertain situations, it is better to brake once too often than once too little. Overtaking on the right in a traffic jam or slow-moving traffic on the highway is allowed, but only if the traffic on the left lane is either stationary or may not exceed 60 km/h.

Stay safe and enjoy your journey!