Wearing flip-flops, sandals, or even driving barefoot is not explicitly banned in Spain. But if your footwear interferes with safe driving, you could face a fine of up to €200. Here’s what every driver should know before hitting the road this summer.
As temperatures climb and closed shoes are swapped for sandals, many drivers in Spain wonder if their summer footwear could land them in trouble. The answer is more nuanced than most expect: Spanish traffic law does not specifically prohibit driving in flip-flops, sandals, or even barefoot. However, the risk of a fine is real if your choice of shoes compromises your ability to control the vehicle.
According to the Guardia Civil, the key issue is not the type of footwear itself, but whether it interferes with safe driving. An officer from the traffic division explained that fines are only issued when footwear—such as loose flip-flops—slips off, gets stuck under a pedal, or otherwise prevents precise use of the brakes, accelerator, or clutch. In these cases, the concern is not fashion, but safety.
Legal Framework
Article 18.1 of the Reglamento General de Circulación requires drivers to maintain freedom of movement, a clear field of vision, and constant attention. Article 17.1 further obliges drivers to always be in full control of their vehicle. If an officer observes that your footwear limits your movements or poses a risk, you can be fined—not for the sandals themselves, but for the danger they create.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) notes that fines for unsafe footwear typically start at €80. However, if the situation is deemed negligent—such as causing a dangerous maneuver or drifting into another lane—the penalty can rise to €200. The law treats this as a serious infraction, with the amount depending on the risk observed by the officer.
Choosing Safe Footwear
The DGT recommends shoes that are secure, flexible, and have non-slip soles. Footwear should allow for accurate pedal control and avoid any elements that might catch on the car’s interior. Oversized, heavy, or rigid shoes, as well as high heels, platforms, clogs, and certain boots, are also discouraged for similar reasons.
One practical tip: keep a pair of suitable driving shoes in your car and change before setting off. Any footwear not in use should be stored away from the pedals to prevent accidents.
Summer Driving Precautions
With the summer holidays bringing longer journeys and heavier traffic, Spanish road safety authorities urge drivers to take extra precautions. Recommendations include avoiding heavy meals before and during trips, taking breaks every two hours or at the first sign of fatigue, drinking water regularly, and keeping the car interior between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius. Comfortable clothing and safe footwear are essential, especially when sudden storms or rain demand quick reactions.
Before any long drive, the DGT advises checking tire condition, brakes, fluid levels, and air conditioning. These steps, combined with the right footwear, can make a significant difference in safety.
Everyday Choices, Real Consequences
While the law does not ban flip-flops or sandals at the wheel, the responsibility remains with the driver to ensure nothing impedes their control. As seen in the story of a Cabify driver who built a career on Madrid’s streets after arriving in Spain with nothing—a journey detailed in this feature on professional driving in Spain—attention to detail and safety can shape not just a trip, but a livelihood. Ultimately, the safest choice is always the one that keeps you in full command of your car.
