A technical analysis of the Brazilian Traffic Code standards to ensure safety and legality during holiday travel
The arrival of summer and holidays increases the flow of vehicles on the roads and, consequently, the incidence of traffic violations specific to this time of year.
One of the most common doubts among drivers refers to dress and footwear standards: after all, Can you drive in flip-flops and without a shirt in the summer?
Although these may seem like trivial issues, ignorance of the legislation can result in fines, points on your license and, most importantly, risks to road safety. The short answer involves nuance: Driving shirtless is permitted, while wearing traditional flip-flops is prohibited.
The technical definition in the Brazilian Traffic Code
To understand the legality of these practices, it is necessary to refer to the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB), which acts as the document regulating driving standards in the country. There is no article in the CTB that specifies the driver’s dress code in relation to clothing covering the torso. Therefore, there is no offense in driving without a shirt.
On the other hand, the issue of footwear is addressed explicitly. THE Article 252, item IV of the CTBdefines it as an infraction of a medium nature to drive a vehicle “wearing shoes that do not fit firmly on the feet or that compromise the use of the pedals”.
This means that the focus of the law is not the style of the footwear, but rather its ability to fit the driver’s foot and the safe operation of the car’s control mechanisms (brake, accelerator and clutch).
Security mechanism and application of the standard
The logic behind banning certain shoes is based on ergonomics and driving mechanics. Loose footwear, such as flip-flops, clogs or sandals without a back strap, present high technical risks:
- Loss of sensitivity: Soles that are too thick or unstable can reduce the perception of pressure exerted on the pedals.
- Mechanical obstruction: The most critical risk is the shoe coming off the foot and getting lodged under the brake pedal, preventing it from operating in an emergency situation, or getting stuck in the accelerator.
- Reaction time: A loose shoe requires the driver to make compensatory movements to keep it on, delaying response time by vital fractions of seconds.
On the other hand, driving barefoot is permitted. The legislation understands that, when driving barefoot, the driver maintains full sensitivity and there is no risk of the pedals being obstructed by foreign objects.
Common infractions and practical rules for summer
In addition to the question of whether you can drive in flip-flops and without a shirt in the summer, the vacation period brings other behaviors that constitute infractions. Below we list the most common technical situations:
- Slippers and Sandals:
- Prohibited: Flip-flops, loose flats, clogs.
- Permitted: “Papete” sandals (with a strap on the heel), sneakers, closed shoes or driving barefoot.
- Arm out:
- Many drivers rest their arm on the window due to the heat. Article 252, item I, classifies driving with the arm outside as a medium infraction.
- Transport of objects and animals:
- Carrying towels, beach chairs or animals on your lap (or between your legs and arms) is a medium infraction (Art. 252, II).
- Overcrowding:
- Transporting passengers above the vehicle’s capacity is a very serious offense (Art. 231, VII), common in group trips to the coast.
Advantages and challenges of thermal comfort when driving
Balancing thermal comfort with safety is the main challenge during the summer.
Advantages of flexible rules:
- Permitting to drive shirtless or barefoot offers relief on extremely hot days, especially in vehicles without air conditioning.
- Driving barefoot can provide greater grip and control over the pedals compared to shoes with very rigid soles.
Challenges and risks:
- Although permitted, driving without a shirt can cause discomfort due to the seat belt rubbing against the skin, which can cause injuries in the event of sudden braking (the “whiplash” effect).
- The transition from leaving the beach and getting into the car often leads to forgetting to change shoes, generating an infraction due to carelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is it allowed to drive barefoot?
Yes. The CTB does not prohibit driving barefoot. The prohibition is exclusive to shoes that do not fit firmly on the feet. It is a safe and legal alternative to wearing flip-flops. - Can I drive in Crocs?
It depends on how it is used. If the back strap is positioned on the heel, securing the shoe to the foot, it is permitted. If the strap is forward, making it a loose flip-flop, it is prohibited. - How much is the fine for driving in flip-flops?
Driving with inappropriate footwear is a medium infraction. The penalty includes a fine of R$130.16 and the addition of 4 points to the National Driving License (CNH).
Planning a vacation trip must go beyond mechanical inspection of the vehicle, also encompassing knowledge of the rules of conduct. By understanding that you can drive in flip-flops and without a shirt in the summer only under specific conditions — that is, without a shirt is free, but flip-flops are prohibited —, the driver avoids financial losses and guarantees the physical integrity of all passengers.
The technical recommendation is to always keep a pair of sneakers in the car or choose to drive barefoot when leaving the beach.
