One of the charms of mopeds is that you can ride them casually, but don't you think you're driving to the convenience store in sandals? In fact, driving a moped in sandals may be a traffic violation, and if caught by the police, you may be fined.
This time, we would like to introduce you to “driving a moped in sandals,” which is especially important in summer. If you are driving a moped with sandals, or if you want to drive, it is necessary to check.
Driving a moped in sandals is a traffic violation!
Driving a moped in sandals is a "violation of the Public Safety Commission compliance rules" and is subject to penalties. If you pass the police crackdown, the violation score is 0 points, but you have to pay a penalty of 5,000 yen. In the case of motorcycles other than mopeds, the penalty will be 6,000 yen.
Furthermore, if it is determined that wearing sandals interferes with proper driving operation and judgment of the situation for safe driving, it may be considered a "violation of safe driving obligations". This is because Article 70 of the Road Traffic Law requires that the brakes and other devices can be operated reliably while driving. If you violate the obligation to drive safely, you will be fined 2 points and a fine of 6,000 yen.
Furthermore, if you cause an accident, or if a slipped sandal causes an accident, you will be separately responsible for criminal and civil matters.
Traffic rules regarding "sandals" vary by prefecture
There are many different types of sandals. Not all shoes called sandals are traffic violations, so check the types of sandals that are traffic violations.
In fact, footwear when driving is stipulated by the Road Traffic Regulations and Detailed Enforcement Regulations of the Road Traffic Law for each prefecture. Therefore, the wording differs slightly depending on the prefecture, and sandals may or may not constitute traffic violations.
For example, in Osaka Prefecture, it is prohibited to drive with geta and slippers that may cause you to make a mistake while driving. In Aichi Prefecture, it is prohibited to wear clothes or shoes that interfere with driving. None of them clearly state "sandals", but sandals are generally included as footwear that interferes with driving.
What kind of sandals are traffic violations?
Whether or not it is a traffic violation depends on whether the shoes are in a state where they cannot be taken off immediately. Sandals are basically not a traffic violation as long as they are shoes that fit tightly to your feet and cannot be easily removed.
<Sandals that violate traffic rules>
- Mules
- Beach sandal
- shower sandals
- thong sandals
- comfort sandals
- sandals
- Geta
<Sandals with subtle lines that indicate whether or not they will be traffic violations>
・Ankle strap sandals
・Back strap sandals
Basically, don't wear shoes that don't have a belt to secure your heel or shoes that don't fit your feet. Details vary by prefecture, so please check the road traffic regulations and detailed enforcement regulations of the Road Traffic Act in your area of residence.
Shoes other than sandals may also be traffic violations
Just because you have a belt or strap on your heel doesn't mean that everything is OK, and shoes that may interfere with driving, such as high heels, stiletto heels, pumps, thick-soled sandals, and lace-up sandals, are traffic violations.
There have even been cases where people were ticketed for wearing crocs with heel belts. Whether or not it constitutes a traffic violation will be determined by the police, so it is safer not to wear shoes that require you to be careful while driving.
Do you drive barefoot?
Some people want to wear sandals without a heel belt, but feel that it is troublesome to bring shoes to change just to drive a moped. Some of you may be wondering, "Why don't you drive barefoot if you can't wear sandals?"
Actually, driving a moped barefoot is not a traffic violation per se, but in some cases it may be a violation of the duty to drive safely. Especially when riding a moped with a manual transmission, it may be considered difficult to drive safely with bare feet because of the need to operate the pedals. Mopeds touch the ground when parked, so you won't be riding barefoot very often, but keep in mind that it's best to avoid barefoot driving as well.
Driving a moped in sandals is dangerous! Choose shoes that protect your feet
Riding a moped while wearing sandals is dangerous. Therefore, more than legal issues, for your own safety, when driving a moped, you should wear sneakers or motorcycle boots with relatively thick soles, so that when you lose your balance and support your feet, they will firmly touch the ground. Wear shoes that you can step into.
Unexpected accidents can happen when driving, so sandals can cause more damage to your feet. Also, if you injure someone, you won't be fined with a 5,000 yen fine, so you must drive in clothes and shoes that put safety first. Even if you just want to go that far, refrain from driving in sandals.
