The seemingly insignificant issue of driving barefoot is just one of numerous concerns about what is and is not permitted when driving in India. Whether they’ve misplaced their footwear, are wearing uncomfortable shoes, or just like the way driving without shoes feels, plenty of individuals have wondered about this situation. So, is driving barefoot prohibited in our country? Although barefoot driving is still a hazy area, Indian road regulations protect a wide range of driving behaviors. If you are someone who has similar questions in their mind, then this article is written for you. The legality, safety concerns, and possible repercussions of driving without shoes in India will all be covered in our article below.
What does the Motor Vehicle Act of India say about this topic?
The major law that covers the traffic laws, fines, and road safety in India is the Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988. But, we have found that barefoot driving isn’t specifically included in the Act. Since the government’s Ministry of Highways and Road Transportation has not issued any official regulations regulating driving without shoes on the road, the same ambiguity has resulted in differing interpretations of the law. In essence, it means that driving barefoot is not prohibited by law in India and is not subject to any particular penalties. However, if one meets an accident, then the cops may put challan on you for risking your and other’s safety on the road.
What are the Consequences of driving barefoot:
Although it’s not against the law, driving barefoot raises several safety issues. Let us talk about several of these practical concerns in more detail below:
- Extra traction on the pedals from shoes, particularly those with solid soles, aids in control. However, bare feet could not have the necessary traction, particularly when braking in an emergency. Drivers need to keep in mind that this absence of traction can make it more likely that someone will slide and get into an accident.
- The thought of operating a vehicle on the road without shoes feels more natural to some people, and they might think that this improves pedal control. However, in reality, it is the opposite, driving barefoot can put the feet under a lot of strain, which might eventually cause soreness, especially on longer trips.
- Car interiors can get quite hot in a country like India where the climate gets too hot during summers, and both plastic and metal pedals can get uncomfortable hot, increasing the risk of blisters or burns. Conversely, cold temperatures can cause bare feet to go numb, which affects a driver’s responsiveness.
- Due to the lack of shoe protection, drivers who go barefoot may be more vulnerable to foot injuries in an accident. If the foot slides or is hurt in an accident, this can also make braking more difficult in emergency situations.
- Some drivers find that wearing shoes with thin soles improves comfort and pedal control by combining the advantages of heel sensitivity with the required traction.
