Yes, driving barefoot is legal in Portugal, as the Código da Estrada (Road Traffic Code) does not explicitly prohibit it. However, drivers must ensure their conduct does not compromise vehicle control or violate general safety obligations under Article 13(1), which mandates that drivers maintain full control of their vehicle at all times. The Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR) has not issued specific rulings on barefoot driving, leaving interpretation to traffic authorities during roadside checks.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Portugal
- General Duty of Care: Article 13(1) of the Código da Estrada requires drivers to operate vehicles with “due care,” implying that barefoot driving must not impair pedal sensitivity or reaction time. Violations may be cited under reckless or negligent driving (Article 29).
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Traffic police (GNR and PSP) assess cases individually; barefoot driving alone rarely justifies a stop, but it may be cited if combined with erratic driving or failure to comply with signals.
- Insurance Implications: While not illegal, insurers may deny claims if barefoot driving is deemed contributory to an accident, as per standard policy exclusions for “improper conduct” under Decreto-Lei n.º 291/2007.
The ANSR has signaled potential future amendments to the Código da Estrada by 2026, aligning with EU road safety directives, though no draft prohibitions on barefoot driving have been proposed. Until then, compliance hinges on demonstrating unimpeded vehicle control.