Can You Wear Shorts While Driving?
3 Answers
You can wear shorts, but you must not drive barefoot, in slippers, or high heels. The "Road Traffic Safety Law" explicitly prohibits drivers from operating vehicles barefoot, in high heels, or slippers. Violators will be penalized with a 2-point deduction and a fine. Here are the reasons why wearing sandals or slippers while driving is prohibited: 1. Slippers are not secure and can easily slip off: In emergency situations, this can lead to slippage when braking. 2. Impaired control: Driving in slippers can cause inaccuracies in operating the clutch and accelerator, posing significant safety risks. Experimental studies indicate that slippers can delay braking response by 0.13 seconds, equivalent to extending the braking distance by 3.5 meters when traveling at 60 km/h.
As a driver who frequently takes long-distance trips, I think wearing shorts while driving is completely fine. When it's too hot in summer, I always wear shorts to drive, as it keeps my legs cool and prevents sweat from sticking to the seat. However, there are three things to note: first, the shorts shouldn't be too short—at least reaching mid-thigh—otherwise, leg movements might be restricted when turning; second, choose cotton or quick-drying fabrics, as synthetic materials can become slippery when sweating; third, it's best to keep a pair of long pants in the car for long trips, so you can change into them when stopping at rest areas for meals or errands, looking more presentable. I always keep a pair of sports shorts and casual pants in my car, switching between them depending on the occasion.
It's fine to wear shorts when driving your own car, but professional drivers are advised against it. I've seen many taxi drivers receive complaints for dressing too casually, especially when picking up business clients. Additionally, be aware that direct contact between the steering wheel and bare skin can cause abrasions, particularly when driving a manual transmission car that requires frequent clutch use. I remember once driving for three hours in basketball shorts, and the outer side of my thighs got rubbed red by the steering wheel. Now I either choose knee-length shorts or place a towel on my thighs.
