Yes, driving barefoot is not explicitly prohibited under UAE traffic laws, but it remains subject to broader safety and vehicle control regulations enforced by the Ministry of Interior and local traffic authorities.
The UAE’s traffic framework prioritizes driver responsibility under Federal Traffic Law No. 21 of 1995 (amended 2017) and Ministerial Resolution No. 178 of 2017, which mandate that drivers must maintain full control of vehicles at all times. While no clause explicitly bans barefoot driving, Article 5(1) of the latter resolution empowers traffic officers to penalize drivers exhibiting impaired vehicle operation, regardless of footwear. Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Traffic Police have issued advisories linking barefoot driving to reduced pedal sensitivity, particularly in high-performance or heavy vehicles, citing 2023-2024 incident data where reaction times deteriorated by up to 12% in such cases.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in United Arab Emirates
- Vehicle Control Mandate: Drivers must ensure unimpeded operation of pedals and steering; barefoot operation may be contested if deemed to compromise control (Article 5(1), Ministerial Resolution No. 178/2017).
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Traffic authorities in emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi may issue fines (AED 400–800) or warnings under “dangerous driving” clauses if barefoot driving contributes to erratic behavior.
- Insurance Liability Risks: Insurers, including those regulated by the UAE Central Bank’s Insurance Authority, may deny claims for accidents where barefoot driving is cited as a contributing factor under “driver negligence” provisions.