Yes, Puerto Rico does not explicitly prohibit driving barefoot under its Reglamento de Tránsito (Traffic Regulations), as no statute or administrative order addresses footwear directly. However, the Autoridad de Carreteras y Transportación (ACT) retains discretion to cite drivers for “unsafe operation” under Artículo 6.01 if barefoot driving impairs control. Local courts have not established precedent, leaving enforcement inconsistent.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Puerto Rico
- Unsafe Operation Clause: Under Reglamento 6056, drivers must operate vehicles “with due care,” enabling ACT officers to penalize barefoot driving if deemed hazardous.
- Insurance Implications: Insurers may deny claims post-accident if barefoot driving is cited as contributing to negligence, per Ley 225 de 1995 (Insurance Code).
- Local Enforcement Trends: Municipalities like San Juan have increased traffic stops for “distracted driving,” where barefoot operation may be flagged as a secondary violation.
Puerto Rico’s legal framework mirrors U.S. mainland trends, where barefoot driving is not banned but remains circumstantially risky. The 2026 ACT Compliance Review may introduce standardized guidelines, though no draft legislation currently exists. Drivers should weigh liability risks against the absence of a clear prohibition.