Driving barefoot, in flip-flops and/or without a shirt is punishable by a fine

Summer has begun, and many people are already taking advantage of it to plan their days off. Once settled at the chosen holiday destination, many drivers drive in flip-flops, barefoot, and even without a shirt on trips to the beach, the beach bar or the pool. Be very careful, because driving without a shirt and/or in flip-flops or barefoot can carry a significant financial penalty.

With the arrival of the heat, many drivers place towels on their seats without realising the danger this entails. The law does not expressly prohibit it, but these practices go against several provisions of the General Traffic Regulations set out in Royal Decree 1428/2003 of 21 November. This means that if a traffic officer considers it appropriate, they can fine you.

Driving barefoot, in flip-flops and/or without a shirt, and with towels on the seats, can be grounds for a fine

As you surely know, the ideal is to drive wearing suitable footwear, since driving barefoot or in flip-flops can prevent you from controlling the vehicle properly and even cause the occasional scare. Driving in these ways may breach articles 3.1, 17.1 or 18.1 of the traffic regulations. The first of these states that “drivers must act with the diligence and caution necessary to avoid any damage, to themselves or to others.” “Driving in a negligent or reckless manner is strictly prohibited.”

The Directorate-General for Traffic wishes to remind all drivers that driving barefoot, in flip-flops and/or without a shirt can lead to a financial penalty of 80 euros if the officer considers that this practice may affect road safety. Either way, driving without suitable footwear is a careless act that may be considered negligence.

Another habit that tends to occur in summer is driving without a shirt. Bear in mind that the seat belt is in contact with the skin and can cause burns. This could also divert your attention from the road. It is important to note that going without a shirt can make you sweat much more and move around much more in the seat, which can lead to losing concentration.

Placing a towel on the seat to keep it from getting wet is dangerous. The best option is to wait until you are dry, since driving with a towel on the seat can cause submarining. This means that in the event of braking, you can slide down beneath the seat belt, which then cannot perform its function properly. This applies not only to the driver but to all occupants of the vehicle. Submarining can also occur with cushions.