Urinal etiquette is like good hygiene: Everyone appreciates the effort and it makes a trip to the men's room a more pleasant experience for all. While there are no official rules for urinals, commonly held guidelines and gestures of courtesy can save you from embarrassing yourself or others.
One User Per Urinal
Never attempt to share a urinal. If only one is available, and it is in use, stand back at a respectable distance and wait your turn. Do not attempt to use the buddy system.
No Noise
Don't strike up a conversation with someone using a urinal, or with men who walk in the bathroom while you are using a urinal, if you don't know them. Try not to make unusual noises, such as sighs or groans, that may make others feel uncomfortable. Give others the respect of quiet and privacy when they are urinating.
Wait Patiently
Avoid badgering the man ahead of you if you feel he is going too slowly. Don't ask when he'll be finished or tell him to hurry up. Don't sigh impatiently or stand behind him jingling the change in your pocket. Stand back, wash your hands, comb your hair or otherwise occupy yourself until he is finished.
Spread Out
Give others space whenever possible. If a bathroom has several urinals, and one is in use, don't use the one immediately next to it. Skip one to provide space and privacy. Only use the urinal directly next to someone else if you have no other options.
Leave Room for Kids
If there is a child-size urinal in the bathroom, avoid using the urinal directly next to it. Even if the bathroom is otherwise empty, leave it open. This will allow a child or a father/son to come in and use it freely.
Eyes to Yourself
Keep your eyes off others. Don't glance to either side of yourself if the urinals to your left or right are in use. Don't try to peek over shoulders when you are waiting to see if the man using the urinal is finished. Don't watch someone urinate while you wait, even if it's from behind and you can't see any private parts.
Consider Your Position
Stand the proper distance from the urinal and center yourself to avoid splashing or flashing anyone. Standing close will not only ensure better aim, but will allow you to properly use barriers set up to protect your privacy, and save others from catching glimpses with their peripheral vision.
Urinate Only
Never put anything in a urinal except urine. Don't spit gum, tobacco or saliva; don't empty soft drinks or coffee cups into it; and, it should go without saying, don't defecate in a urinal.
Be Modest
Keep your pants up in the back as high as possible. Don't expose your rear and moon people who might be entering or exiting the bathroom.
Wash Afterwards
Wash your hands after using the urinal. You will most likely be opening the door by the handle, or going out into the world to touch hand rails and merchandise or shake other people's hands. Everyone will appreciate your good hygiene.
