Driving in summer implies doing it dressed with the clothes we wear in that season but also with their corresponding footwear and although the truth is that driving a car with flip flops or sandals may seem one of the coolest options, it is still a risk to the time to control the car. For this reason, the DGT has wanted to remove doubts from all drivers who this summer take their car and wonder whether or not they can drive with flip flops or if they can be fined for it.
The DGT clarifies the biggest doubt that drivers have in summer
In summer , especially on vacation, the use of flip flops is very common . However, when driving, this type of footwear is not very comfortable and limits movement . But what does the highway code say about shoes to wear when driving? In particular, can you drive with flip flops?
This question was already answered by the DGT on social networks some time ago and although they clarified that the use of flip flops was not prohibited but there was a risk of a fine, again there are many drivers who have asked them on Twitter whether or not they can wear flip flops this summer while driving.
And again the General Directorate of Traffic has responded via social networks wanting to clarify what happens with the regulations regarding the use of this type of footwear by posting a “tweet” in which they send the same message again: ” There is no rules about it but if it is seen that it affects safety (handling of pedals, for example) it can be punishable . This time they also add that it is more advisable to wear comfortable shoes when driving.
The summer question is back 😎❗
Is it a fine or not to drive with flip flops👡❓🤔There are no regulations on it but if it is seen that it affects safety (handling of pedals, for example) it can be punishable.
Advice👉Use your head and put on comfortable and safe shoes https://t.co/4pgykAM9VJ pic.twitter.com/K2X4Ui9dmQ
– Dir. Gral. Traffic (@DGTes) June 24, 2021
What fine do I face for driving with flip flops?
As the DGT points out, the RGC (General Traffic Regulations) does not currently provide any prohibition of this type and does not make a difference between a closed shoe and an open shoe when driving, but it does specify in its article 18.1 that the driver He is obliged to “maintain his own freedom of movement” , in addition to ensuring a good field of vision and being attentive to driving at all times.
But in addition, article 17.1 of the same regulation refers to the fact that ” drivers must be able to control their vehicle at all times” while article 3.1 refers to the way of driving that must always be done “with diligence and caution necessary to avoid any damage, own or others’.
So now knowing what these articles of the RGC say and returning to the topic of flip-flops , they may be the coolest footwear we can wear in summer but it is evident that it is not the most comfortable and that it will not guarantee our freedom of movement while driving or that we can guarantee the control of the vehicle, if we take into account that by carrying them precisely we can fail when operating the pedals.
In fact, the DGT warns from its website that driving with this type of footwear (as well as with heels) can compromise driving safety and therefore we face being sanctioned with a fine of 80 euros, so it will be better idea to wear comfortable and practical shoes. We therefore recommend that you bring a spare shoe to drive in summer and when you arrive at your destination and have gotten out of the car, put your flip-flops back on if you feel like it.
