Driving barefoot is not illegal, but it’s definitely unsafe.
South African laws about wearing shoes while driving.
You will not be fined for driving barefoot in South Africa. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- If you are seen wearing flip-flops or high heels while driving, it is illegal and you can be fined.
- If you wear sandals (flip flops) or open-toed shoes when driving your vehicle on the road with other traffic, this does not conform to the Road Traffic Act of 1996 and may result in prosecution under that act!
Can you be fined for driving without shoes?
You can be fined for driving without shoes, but the law does not stipulate that you must wear shoes while driving. This means that if you are stopped by a traffic officer and he or she notices that your footwear is inappropriate, you may be issued a fine.
If the police officer deems your footwear to be unsafe or dangerous, they may issue you with an infringement notice. In these cases, fines range from R100 (approximately USD$7) up to R1 000 (approximately USD$70). If it’s deemed that your lack of proper footwear could cause damage to other road users or yourself, then they may seize your vehicle until appropriate footwear becomes available.
