Riding barefoot or in flip-flops is more comfortable in warm temperatures. What’s allowed and when to risk a penalty.
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Can I drive barefoot or in flip-flops??
There are no precise rules in germany on which shoes you can or cannot wear when driving a car. Driving with flip-flops is therefore not forbidden. The ADAC writes: "from a liability and insurance perspective, driving with open, loose-fitting, high heels can be problematic." because: if it can be proven that an accident occurs as a result – for example, because the brake pedal was not depressed properly – a fine will be imposed, warns the ADAC. If someone is injured in the accident, a penalty order may be issued and problems with the insurance company cannot be ruled out. This also applies to driving without shoes on. It is not forbidden to drive barefoot, but if you have an accident, you might have problems with the insurance company.
the road traffic regulations have been changed – there are new fines for many road traffic offences.
Is eating ice cream allowed behind the wheel?
Legally this is not a problem. However, it is estimated that about ten percent of accidents are due to distractions – and those who eat or drink at the wheel are usually not fully driving either. If you can prove that you were distracted when you caused an accident, you may be in trouble with your insurance company.
Can I park the car with the window open so that it doesn’t get so hot??
No, only a small gap is okay. Leaving the window fully open can make it easier to break in. This is considered incitement to theft and you will have to pay a fine. It can be really expensive if the police have to carry out a "property protection" check and tow the car to a guarded parking lot to prevent theft. This can quickly cost several hundred euros.
Can I smoke in the car??
It is not forbidden in germany to sit behind the wheel with a cigarette holder. However, traffic experts generally advise that both hands are on the wheel. If you smoke and possibly reach for your coffee cup at the same time, you will be doubly distracted while driving. In other countries, smoking in the car is often forbidden if children or young people are in the car! This applies for example to austria, france, great britain. More information about these traffic rules abroad.
In addition, you should never throw a cigarette butt out of the window – this can be life-threatening for other road users. You could hit a motorcyclist or a passenger in a convertible. There is also a risk that you could cause a forest fire.
Is driving in bathing suits allowed??
Driving a car in a bikini or lightly dressed in swimming trunks? No problem! Because in road traffic there is no dress code. Also to expose oneself completely is only a problem if it disturbs someone. Then you can be prosecuted for public nuisance.
May I put a fan in the car?
Older cars without air conditioning often get uncomfortably warm in summer. A small fan in the car can help. But be careful: under no circumstances should it obstruct the driver’s view.
Can I stick my feet out of the window as a passenger??
The passenger has many liberties. From a purely legal point of view, you can even stick your feet out of the window. Provided, of course, that he keeps his seat belt fastened. However, it is not advisable to put your feet up – especially in vehicles with airbags, passengers risk serious injury if the airbag hits their knees in the face.
Have you parked your car under a tree and then a sticky layer on the paint? Then it is probably honeydew.
These rules about sleeping, drinking alcohol and decorating always apply: what’s allowed in the car?