Driving with inappropriate footwear in Germany: Are high heels or sandals really a traffic offence?
On warm summer days or for special occasions, many people drive their cars wearing open sandals or even high-heeled shoes. This raises a common question in Germany: does this count as a traffic offence? And can the police actually fine a driver just because of the type of shoes they are wearing?
The answer is a bit complex: from a strictly legal point of view, driving with sandals or high heels is not explicitly prohibited, but the consequences can be serious if an accident happens or the driver loses control of the vehicle.
Is there a law that bans driving with certain shoes?
In German traffic law (StVO), there is no specific provision that requires a particular type of footwear while driving.
However, § 1 StVO states:
“Anyone taking part in road traffic must behave in such a way that no one else is harmed, endangered or more than is unavoidable, obstructed or inconvenienced.”
This means that the responsibility for choosing footwear lies with the driver – as long as they can guarantee full and safe control of the vehicle at all times.
What does German case law say?
In a well-known decision by the Federal Administrative Court (BVerwG), it was confirmed that driving with sandals or even barefoot does not in itself constitute a separate traffic offence.
However, if an accident occurs because the driver:
slips off the brake or accelerator pedal, or
is unable to control the pedals properly,
the driver may be held partly liable (Mitverschulden) for “negligent choice of unsuitable footwear”.
In some cases, insurance companies have:
refused to cover the damage in full, or
demanded that the driver bear part of the costs,
arguing that there was a breach of the duty of care in choosing proper footwear.
Can the police issue an official fine for footwear alone?
In everyday traffic, the police cannot impose a fine solely because someone is driving in sandals or high heels.
Things change if the footwear clearly affects the ability to brake or steer, or if it leads to:
a dangerous manoeuvre, or
obvious loss of control.
In such a situation, the offence may be registered as:
“failure to maintain proper control of the vehicle”,
which can result in a fine of up to €35 or more, depending on the circumstances.
What about truck drivers and commercial vehicles?
For professional drivers, such as:
truck drivers,
ambulance drivers,
and other commercial transport drivers,
company policies and occupational safety regulations (Berufsgenossenschaft) often require closed, certified safety shoes while driving.
In these settings, driving with sandals is considered:
a serious internal violation,
and may lead to disciplinary action or formal warnings.
Practical recommendations
Even though there is no explicit legal ban on sandals or high heels, experts recommend:
Wearing flat, closed shoes with a non-slip sole when driving.
Keeping a pair of “driving shoes” in the car and putting them on before you start the engine.
Avoiding driving barefoot, in very heavy boots (e.g. hiking boots) or with very high heels that restrict normal foot movement.
Conclusion
Driving with sandals or high heels is not automatically illegal, but it can turn into a legal problem if the footwear contributes to loss of control or an accident.
In Germany, you are not fined for the shoe itself, but for the consequences it may cause.
The golden rule is:
Wear whatever gives you full control over your pedals and steering – because road safety quite literally starts at your feet.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please consider the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for binding, up-to-date advice.
