Driving barefoot, in flip-flops or high heels is surprisingly not illegal - at least not for private individuals. Nevertheless, it can have serious consequences in the event of an accident: If you lose control because of unsuitable footwear, you risk being partly at fault and getting into trouble with the insurance company.
In this article, we show you the risks involved, what the law says and why it's worth wearing sturdy shoes even on short journeys.
- In principle, it is not forbidden to ride barefoot, with flip-flops, Birkenstocks or other unsuitable footwear.
- However, in the event of a road accident, there is a risk that you will be asked to pay dearly due to a breach of duty of care or that your comprehensive insurance will refuse to cover the costs.
- Our tip: Wear suitable footwear to minimise the risk of accidents.
Is there a law that prohibits driving without shoes?
No. There is no legal regulation in the StVOwhich obliges you as a private individual to wear shoes when driving. In principle, you can drive with your Birkenstocks or flip-flops or even barefoot.
But be carefulEven if it is not mandatory for private individuals to wear suitable footwear, it is mandatory for professional drivers. According to BGV D29, §44 Para. 2, bus drivers, for example, must wear footwear that encloses the foot in order to drive the vehicle safely. If the professional driver does not do this, he is in breach of this regulation and may even be liable to prosecution.
Can you drive barefoot?
Driving barefoot is generally not forbidden. However, it is not recommended, as you can very easily slip off the pedals barefoot and increase your risk of an accident enormously. We therefore strongly advise you not to drive without shoes.
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Driving a car with flip-flops, Birkenstocks, sandals and your favourite high heels
The situation is similar with your Birkenstocks and flip-flops. Especially when it gets warm outside and you are wearing sandals, or you want to go shopping in your slippers, it is very tempting to drive with these shoes. Unfortunately, this type of footwear is not suitable for driving a car safely. You won't have a firm grip on the pedals or may even get stuck with the straps. High heels are also not suitable for driving, as the heel can easily become wedged in the pedal arms. However, as there is not necessarily a risk to other road users if you ride in unsuitable shoes, you will not necessarily be fined if you are stopped by the police.
Our tip for youTo avoid accidents in advance, however, we advise you to put a pair of closed shoes in the car and swap your sandals for them before you set off.
Accident barefoot or with unsuitable shoes - What now?
The situation is completely different if you get into an accident without suitable footwear or even barefoot. Who is at fault after an accident with unsuitable footwear? Although it is not forbidden to wear high heels or flip-flops in road traffic, the top priority in road traffic is road safety and therefore mutual consideration.
If you are unable to operate the pedals properly because you are wearing Birkenstocks or flip-flops and have caused an accident as a result, you may be fined for a breach of your duty of care.
NoteYou must also expect to be questioned by the police after the accident and to be found partially responsible by the court for this breach of duty. This will also affect the willingness of the insurance companies involved to pay!
Does the insurance pay out in the event of an accident without suitable footwear?
If you are found to be partially at fault, your own insurance company may also award you partial liability. However, your insurance cover is not completely lost, as most motor insurers do not consider driving with flip-flops or Birkenstocks to be negligent. In principle, your own comprehensive insurance company can always claim recourse against you for a breach of the contractually agreed obligations or demand a higher excess. Experience has shown that whether the insurance company will do this in your specific case if you as the policyholder were driving with unsuitable shoes depends on the goodwill of the insurer and the amount of damage. The portion of the damage for which you are not at fault will then be settled by the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident - as in any normal accident. However, it may reduce your claims proportionately due to your possible partial fault.
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Frequently asked questions about driving with flip flops or sandals
Is it forbidden to drive barefoot or in flip-flops?
No, the Highway Code does not prescribe specific footwear for private individuals. However, if an accident occurs and the unsuitable footwear can be proven to be the cause, there is a risk of fines, partial liability or restrictions on insurance cover.
Which shoes are considered unsuitable for driving?
Shoes without a firm grip such as flip-flops, Birkenstocks, sandals or high heels are considered unsuitable as they can easily slip off the pedals or get caught in them. This significantly increases the risk of accidents. However, these shoes are not prohibited.
What are the consequences of an accident with unsuitable footwear?
If an accident occurs and it can be proven that you lost control due to the footwear, you may be found partially at fault. This has a negative impact on your claims and your insurance.
Does the insurance pay out in the event of an accident without suitable footwear?
Liability insurance usually covers the damage to the other party involved in the accident. However, your own comprehensive insurance may reduce benefits or demand a higher excess if you have breached your duty of care, for example by driving with unsuitable footwear.
Are professional drivers allowed to drive with flip flops or sandals?
Stricter rules apply to professional drivers: According to accident prevention regulations (BGV D29), they must wear foot-enclosing footwear. Violations can have consequences under labour law and even criminal law.
