Can You Drive in Sandals and Will You Be Penalized?
3 Answers
Driving in sandals is allowed and will not result in penalty points, as traffic regulations do not prohibit driving in sandals. However, driving in sandals is highly dangerous, and it is not recommended for car owners to do so. Here is additional information: 1. Strapless sandals: Wearing strapless sandals while driving may lead to penalties. Strapless sandals are considered similar to slippers, and according to regulations, driving in slippers is a violation of the law, punishable by a fine and a deduction of 2 points. If an accident occurs while wearing strapless sandals, regardless of how the traffic police determine responsibility, the driver wearing slippers will face administrative penalties. 2. Precautions: When wearing sandals, ensure that the heel strap is properly fastened; otherwise, it may be detected by traffic police and result in penalties.
When I first started learning to drive, I always wore sandals because I thought they were cool, convenient, and comfortable in the summer. But once, while turning a corner, my sandal slipped off, and I almost hit a wall, breaking out in a cold sweat. After that, I looked it up and found out that while China's traffic laws don’t directly deduct points for wearing sandals, if an accident occurs due to unstable footwear—such as delayed braking or loss of control—traffic police can impose a fine of around 200 yuan for dangerous driving and may even deduct points. Sandals can easily slip off or get stuck between the pedals, affecting control over the accelerator and brake, especially at high speeds, where the risk doubles. Now, I only drive in flat shoes, which feel much more solid and safer. My friends also recommend keeping a pair of dedicated driving shoes—anti-slip and comfortable. After all, driving involves lives; don’t take unnecessary risks for the sake of convenience. Safety first is the golden rule.
Having driven for over twenty years, I deeply understand the importance of driving safety. Driving in sandals? Not recommended! Although the regulations don't explicitly mention point deductions, according to the Road Traffic Safety Law, unsafe operations like slipping due to footwear can lead to accidents, and traffic police can issue on-the-spot fines and deduct points. Sandals have poor contact with the pedals, making it easy to lose footing during emergency braking and increasing the risk of rollovers. I've witnessed several cases on the road where drivers wearing flip-flops caused minor accidents and were ticketed as a lesson. It's best to wear shoes that cover the instep, firmly controlling the pedals to maintain quick and stable reactions. Develop good habits daily, and don't be careless during rainy days or long trips—life is a hundred times more important than momentary comfort. Check your shoelaces before driving to ensure everything is secure.
