No, driving barefoot in Singapore is not explicitly prohibited under the Road Traffic Act, but it violates Rule 92 of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licences) Rules, which mandates proper footwear for maintaining control. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) may penalize drivers deemed negligent, citing unsafe driving practices under Section 67 of the Act. While no fixed penalty exists, fines up to S$1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 12 months may apply for reckless driving.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Singapore
- Rule 92 of the Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Driving Licences) Rules requires drivers to wear footwear that ensures adequate pedal control, implicitly banning barefoot driving.
- Section 67 of the Road Traffic Act empowers authorities to penalize drivers exhibiting unsafe behavior, including barefoot operation, under negligent driving provisions.
- LTA’s 2026 Road Safety Review signals stricter enforcement, with potential demerit points for violations linked to improper footwear, aligning with global best practices.
Enforcement remains discretionary, but drivers risk liability in accidents where barefoot operation is deemed contributory. The Singapore Courts have upheld penalties in cases where footwear impairment was a factor in collisions. Motorists are advised to comply with Rule 92 to avoid legal exposure, particularly as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.