No, driving barefoot in Turkey is not explicitly prohibited by the Highway Traffic Law (Karayolları Trafik Kanunu, Law No. 2918), but it violates Article 78/1, which mandates drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle at all times. Local traffic police may cite this as “unsafe driving behavior,” leading to fines or penalties under municipal ordinances. The 2026 amendments to the Traffic Regulation (Trafik Yönetmeliği) further emphasize ergonomic vehicle control, indirectly targeting barefoot driving as a potential distraction risk.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Turkey
- Article 78/1 (Highway Traffic Law): Requires drivers to operate vehicles with “adequate physical capability,” interpreted by courts as excluding barefoot conditions that may impair pedal sensitivity.
- Municipal Traffic Ordinances: Cities like Istanbul and Ankara enforce stricter local rules under the 2024 Metropolitan Municipality Law (No. 5216), allowing police to issue fines (₺1,000–₺2,000) for “unsuitable footwear” deemed hazardous.
- Insurance Liability Clauses: Under the 2025 Turkish Civil Code revisions, insurers may deny coverage for accidents where barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence, per Article 147 of the Insurance Law (No. 5684).