Did you know that driving in sandals can be a traffic violation? Violations can lead to penalties and, in the worst case, serious accidents.
In this article, we will look at the standards that violate "driving in sandals". Especially for those who often go out for a short while, or for those who prohibit wearing shoes in the car.
Driving in sandals can be a traffic violation
Road Traffic Act Article 70 "Obligation to Drive Safely"
``The driver of a vehicle must operate the steering wheel, brakes and other devices of the vehicle, etc., and operate at a speed and in a manner that does not cause harm to others, depending on the road, traffic and conditions of the vehicle. I have to drive.”
Of course, in order to drive a car or a motorcycle, you must obey the law. As mentioned above, the Road Traffic Law does not clearly state that "driving in sandals is prohibited", but it does include the phrase "operate the brakes and other devices securely".
Depending on the sandals you wear, it will be judged that you are in a state where you cannot drive safely, and it will be a violation and will be subject to crackdown.
What are NG shoes that may be traffic violations?
What kind of shoes specifically constitute traffic violations? The point I want to pay attention to is "whether the heel is fixed".
There are various types of sandals, such as slippers, mules, flip-flops, ankle-strap sandals with a belt, and back-strap sandals. Of these, let's think that "shoes that don't have fixed heels or shoes that slip out easily are NG".
Conversely, sandals that require a strap or belt to be removed are generally considered safe to drive.
By the way, heeled shoes, thick-soled shoes, geta, etc. may be considered traffic violations because the soles of the shoes are not stable, which hinders safe driving.
Dangers of driving in sandals
So why is it prohibited to drive in sandals without fixed heels? Here, we explain the dangers of driving in sandals.
Sandals come off and get caught in the brakes
Sandals with unfixed heels may come off at some point. If you get caught in the pedals and come off, it is very dangerous if you concentrate on your feet or look down trying to put them back on.
In addition, shoes can get stuck under the pedals, making it impossible to brake. If you can't step on the brakes, it can lead to a serious accident, so sandals that come off quickly are not allowed when driving.
slippery
The soles of sandals often have a weak grip, and there is also the danger of slipping. Even if you step on the brakes, you may slip and not be able to stop , which may lead to an accident. Especially on rainy days, your shoes may slip on the pedals or your feet may slip inside your shoes, making them unsuitable for safe driving.
risk of injury
In the event of an accident, if you are barefoot or wearing shoes that expose your toes, your toes may get stuck between the pedal arms. There is also a case that a finger actually entered and broke. In addition, it is difficult to protect your feet in the event of an accident, and you may be injured by the glass or broken parts when you get out of the vehicle.
Even if the shoes that violate the ordinance are determined
Although the Road Traffic Act does not specify which shoes are violating the law, there are cases where the prefectural public safety commission clearly defines violating shoes under the Detailed Regulations for Enforcement of the Road Traffic Law.
Tokyo: Ban on geta and wooden sandals
Osaka Prefecture: Prohibition of clogs, slippers, etc.
Saitama Prefecture: Wooden sandals, slippers, and high heels are prohibited.
Hiroshima Prefecture: Ban on sandals
Iwate Prefecture: Sandals and thick soles are prohibited. Rubber sandals are not considered a violation.
Niigata Prefecture: Geta and wooden sandals are prohibited
Chiba Prefecture: Sandals, high-heeled shoes, wooden sandals, and items with uncut thongs are prohibited. If wet, must be secured with a band to prevent slipping
You can see that the line that does not violate each prefecture is slightly different. However, since you must comply with Article 70 of the Road Traffic Act, refrain from attacking the last line so that you can drive safely.
Penalties for traffic violations due to sandals
If you violate Article 70 of the Road Traffic Act and a "violation of safe driving obligation" is applied, you will be given violation points and a fine.
Violation points: 2 points
fine:
Large vehicle = 12,000 yen
Ordinary car = 9,000 yen
Motorcycle = 7,000 yen
Small special person/motorized bicycle = 6,000 yen
In addition, if you violate the detailed regulations set by the Public Safety Commission of each prefecture, there are no violation points, but a fine is set.
fine:
Large vehicle = 7,000 yen
Ordinary car = 6,000 yen
Motorcycle = 6,000 yen
Small special person/motorcycle = 5,000 yen
Wear comfortable shoes and drive safely!
There have also been accidents in which people died because they were wearing high heels and could not step on the brakes properly. Sandals are usually comfortable and easy to wear, but they are not suitable for driving because the heel is not fixed and they are slippery. If you wear sandals or high heels when you go out or commute by car, please change your shoes only when driving!
