Transport regulators have clarified that footwear is only compulsory under the law for commercial vehicle drivers.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) said it was an offence for drivers of public service vehicles (PSVs) such as taxis, buses, lorries and e-hailing rides, to drive without any footwear.
Under the rules, a JPJ spokesman said a PSV driver could be fined RM150 for not being neatly dressed and/or not having footwear while driving.
Those driving PSVs may be inspected from time to time under provisions of the Public Service Vehicles (Licensing and Conduct of Drivers, Conductors and Passengers) Rules 1959.
“However, for offences of driving without footwear in a PSV, there are no specific provisions on the ban on the use of slippers under the Road Transport Act,” the spokesman said in a written reply to FMT.
The questions over driving without footwear arose recently when a video went viral showing a traffic policeman checking a driver of a car in Penang, apparently for not wearing shoes.
However, an expert said that while it was all right under the law to not wear any footwear while driving a private car, it was not right – and could lead to trouble.
Automotive academic Chew Kim Loong said wearing driving shoes is always ideal as it would prevent pedal misoperation and accidents caused by it.
He said an ideal driving shoe should not be too thick or thin, with enough grip to depress the pedal, and enable the driver to sense how far the pedal has gone in or out while helping him to brake with force in an emergency situation.
The shoes should also not be too wide so as to prevent accidental pressing of other pedals.
“The idea of driving barefoot is simply driven by wanting to feel the pedals of the car, that tactile sensation,” the Despark College training manager told FMT.
“Professional drivers also want that feeling, but they know your bare feet alone will not help in emergency situations, and hence they wear proper driving shoes.
“Going barefoot or wearing flip flops (slippers) might cause disasters. It if gets wet, you might lose control of the pedal and cause a crash. Worse yet, it can cause severe injuries to your bare feet.
“With the right footwear, you will be able to brake on time and provide support in long journeys. Low profile shoes are always best for driving.
“My best advice is to always drive with your shoe on.”