Yes, driving barefoot is not explicitly prohibited under Romanian traffic law, but it may violate general safety provisions enforced by the Romanian Police and the Direcția Rutieră (Traffic Directorate). While no statute bans barefoot driving, Article 5(1) of Legea 471/2002 on road traffic mandates that drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle, which authorities interpret to include proper footwear. Non-compliance risks fines under Article 103(1) for “failure to ensure safe driving conditions.”
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Romania
- General Safety Clause: Article 5(1) of Legea 471/2002 requires drivers to operate vehicles safely, with barefoot driving potentially deemed a violation if it impairs control.
- Traffic Police Discretion: The Direcția Rutieră may issue fines (RON 100–200, per Ordonanța de Urgență 195/2002) if barefoot driving is deemed reckless or distracting.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to Legea 471/2002 (under review by the Ministry of Internal Affairs) may introduce explicit footwear requirements, aligning with EU best practices for road safety.