Yes, driving barefoot is not explicitly prohibited under Belgian traffic law, but it remains subject to broader safety and vehicle control regulations enforced by the Service Public Fédéral Mobilité et Transports. The Code de la Route (2026 amendments) mandates that drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle at all times, creating indirect liability risks if barefoot operation is deemed unsafe.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Belgium
- Vehicle Control Mandate: Article 8.1 of the Code de la Route requires drivers to operate vehicles “without hindrance to safety,” which courts may interpret as prohibiting barefoot driving if it impairs pedal sensitivity or reaction time.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Municipal police (Zone de Police) and the Direction Générale des Voies de Circulation may issue fines (€116–€1,160) under Article 33.1 for “dangerous conduct,” relying on subjective assessments of driver competence.
- Insurance Implications: Insurers (e.g., AG Insurance, Ethias) may deny claims for accidents where barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence, per 2025 EU-wide motor liability directives.