This is a recurring question that usually comes up in the summer: can you drive in flip flops? This is a logical question. After a few hours at the beach or at the pool, most drivers don’t have other shoes on hand. Many even go barefoot so as not to stain their shoes with sand from the beach. Or they just think that since it’s a short trip, there’s nothing wrong with going barefoot.
But, What does DGT say about summer season fashion and its transfer to the car? While not everything is black or white in this story, the reality is that you can get sanctioned for driving in flip flops or bare feet. This story is tricky: point of view of the officer who gave the stop.
According to the regulations, riding in flip-flops is not prohibited. More precisely, there is no regulation that would tacitly sanction this. However, to resolve this issue, agents usually cling to Article 171, which states that a person must be qualified as a driver and not pose a danger to movement and control of a vehicle. In other words, if the agent in question comes to the conclusion that the flip-flops may interfere with the pedaling of the car or reduce the response to the road element, this situation will be the basis for a fine.
80 euros for “driving a vehicle without maintaining freedom of movement”. This is at best. The fine can be up to €200 if the offense involves “driving without the diligence, care and lack of distraction necessary to prevent injury to yourself or others.” Or, equivalently, for reckless driving.
Why is it dangerous to ride in flip-flops?
Flip-flops and their variants, by definition, do not support the foot well. Not for driving, not for activities that require the foot to be firm. They can also slip or even break at the most inopportune moment. In some cases, they can get stuck behind the pedal and interfere with precise driving. According to the rules, what does not prohibit driving in flip-flops, it is assumed that since they are loosely fixed, they pose a danger to the driver and the road. It also prevents the right pressure, which reduces maneuverability at certain and necessary moments.
This logic applies to flip flops, sandals and, of course, barefoot riding. For this last point, the same logic is used as in the case of triggers. Also, the lack of a sticky surface can cause our foot to slip off the pedal. In other words, the best driving shoes are those that wrap well around the sides and at the toe, with a sticky and flexible sole that allows you to make the necessary movements.
In general, and if you prefer to have no problems, it is best to wear suitable driving shoes. Because if, slippers are not allowed, but this is left to the reading of the agent that concerns you at that moment. And yes, you will most likely lose.
Source: Hiper Textual
