Yes, driving barefoot is not explicitly prohibited under China’s Road Traffic Safety Law or its implementing regulations, but local traffic authorities may penalize it under broader safety clauses. The Ministry of Public Security’s 2023 Guidelines on Traffic Violations emphasize “safe and responsible driving,” leaving barefoot operation subject to officer discretion. While no national ban exists, some cities like Beijing and Shanghai have issued advisory notices discouraging the practice, citing reduced pedal control risks.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in China
- Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law permits penalties for “unsafe driving behaviors,” which traffic police may interpret as including barefoot operation if it impairs vehicle control.
- Local Traffic Rules: Beijing’s 2024 Urban Traffic Management Regulations and Shanghai’s 2025 Road Safety Bylaws implicitly discourage barefoot driving under “precautionary safety measures,” though enforcement remains rare.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministry of Transport’s upcoming National Road Safety Action Plan (2026–2030) may introduce stricter guidelines, aligning with global best practices that mandate footwear for operational safety.
Authorities prioritize visible violations (e.g., speeding, DUI) over footwear, but drivers risk fines up to ¥200 (≈$28) if cited under “other unsafe acts” per Public Security Bureau discretion. Insurance claims may also be jeopardized if barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence in accidents. For commercial drivers, provincial transport bureaus (e.g., Guangdong’s 2024 Fleet Safety Standards) explicitly require “proper footwear” as part of vehicle readiness inspections.