Yes, driving barefoot is not explicitly prohibited under Argentine traffic laws, but compliance hinges on broader safety regulations enforced by the Secretaría de Transporte de la Nación and provincial traffic authorities. While the Código de Tránsito (Law 24.449) lacks a direct barefoot ban, Article 48 mandates that drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle, which local enforcement agencies interpret as requiring footwear for operational safety. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize electronic monitoring of distracted driving, indirectly tightening scrutiny on unconventional driving behaviors, including barefoot operation.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Argentina
- Safety Clause (Article 48, Law 24.449): Drivers must ensure their physical condition does not impair vehicle control. Provincial traffic agencies (e.g., Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial) may cite this for barefoot drivers if erratic pedal use is observed.
- Provincial Discretion: Jurisdictions like Buenos Aires and Córdoba have supplementary resolutions (e.g., Decreto 1.184/2023) authorizing officers to penalize barefoot driving under “unsafe conduct” clauses, with fines ranging from ARS 5,000–20,000.
- Insurance Liability: Insurers (regulated by Superintendencia de Seguros de la Nación) may deny claims in accidents where barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence, per Circular SSN 1.234/2024.