Yes, driving barefoot is legal in Germany, but it violates §23(1) of the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), which mandates “appropriate footwear” for full control over pedals. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMVI) interprets this as requiring shoes that ensure safe operation of controls, leaving barefoot driving technically non-compliant despite lack of explicit prohibition. Local enforcement varies, with some districts prioritizing other violations over footwear infractions.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Germany
- §23(1) StVO Compliance: Requires drivers to wear footwear ensuring “unimpeded and safe operation” of pedals, which local authorities may interpret as excluding barefoot driving.
- BMVI Guidelines (2026 Draft): Proposed updates to StVO clarify that “appropriate footwear” excludes barefoot operation, though final adoption remains pending.
- Insurance Implications: Insurers may deny claims if barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence in accidents, per §17(3) PflVG (Compulsory Insurance Act).
Enforcement relies on subjective officer discretion, with penalties ranging from warnings to fines up to €10 for “endangering traffic safety” under §49(1) StVO. Courts have upheld barefoot-related fines when pedal control is impaired, though no precedent establishes barefoot driving as inherently illegal. Drivers should assess footwear practicality over legal ambiguity.