Driving barefoot: not forbidden, but dangerous!
Created: 07/06/2022Updated: 07/06/2022 10:45 am
By: Simon Mones
Driving barefoot is not illegal in Germany.
However, if an accident occurs, there is a risk of partial guilt.
- and possibly a fine.
Munich – Regardless of whether you are using an expensive rental car abroad or your own car, road safety is always the top priority.
Accordingly, drivers should always inform themselves about the applicable traffic regulations.
These can sometimes be strange abroad.
Violations often result in high fines.
But there is not a corresponding traffic rule or even a ban for every situation.
Or did you know if you can drive barefoot?
Right now in the summer, one or the other driver is probably asking this question.
After all, it is often so hot that closed-toe shoes quickly become uncomfortable.
But is it allowed to get behind the wheel barefoot or does the law require shoes?
It's not just the passenger who can leave their shoes off in the car.
In the event of an accident, however, the driver is at risk of being partially to blame.
© Westend61/Imagp
Driving barefoot: not forbidden, but dangerous!
A look at the road traffic regulations (StVO) shows: There are no regulations as to which footwear must be worn.
Conversely, there is no ban on driving barefoot in Germany – at least not for private individuals.
The situation is different for professional drivers: "The vehicle driver must wear foot-enclosing footwear to drive the vehicle safely," says the "Accident Prevention Regulation Vehicles", BGV D29, §44, paragraph 2.
However, you shouldn't do it because you endanger other road users.
Due to the lack of profile of the rubber sole, the driver may not be able to step into the shoes and press down the pedals as quickly and strongly as with sturdy shoes.
Driving barefoot: No ban in Austria and Switzerland
In addition, it can be expensive in the event of an accident if you were barefoot at the wheel.
In case of doubt, there is a risk of partial guilt due to a lack of care.
A fine is also possible, reports "Bußgeldkataolog.org".
If the accident is assessed as negligent because of the missing shoes, this can also affect the extent to which the insurance company is liable for the damage caused.
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Incidentally, not only in Germany is there no ban on driving barefoot in a car.
Shoes are also not compulsory in Austria and Switzerland.
“But it is mandatory that you must always control the vehicle in such a way that you can react appropriately in the event of danger.
So if you can demonstrably press the brake pedal as hard barefoot as you can with shoes, you meet these requirements.
It is doubtful whether you can credibly prove this in court.
In any case, it is not worth taking such a risk,” explains the Swiss Automobile Club when asked by ADAC.