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Can I wear slippers while riding a motorcycle?

You’re not at the beach, so why are you wearing flip-flops?

Motodeal
Can I wear slippers while riding a motorcycle?

Riders take on calculated risks each time they get on the saddle. It's part of the thrill and excitement that riding a motorcycle provides. While some risks are unavoidable, many are ultimately preventable.

Wearing riding gear to protect yourself is an intelligent choice that some people don't seem to understand and follow. Whether you're cruising on a Vespa Primavera or out on the trail on an adventure-tourer like the Royal Enfield Himalayan, it's always a good idea to wear the right gear. 

Some riders play with fire every day by not wearing the proper equipment. We see it all the time. Most know that riding a motorcycle without a helmet is illegal, but what about riding while wearing slippers?

What does the law say?

Rider wearing slippers

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it explicitly prohibits open-toe footwear for motorcyclists. Doing so is a ticket-worthy offense that demands a fine and even license revocation. 

Section 11 E of the LTO Administrative Order AHS-2008-15 further directs that "for wearing of flip flops, sandals or slippers or being barefooted while operating a motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway, a fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) for the first offense, Seven Hundred Pesos (P700.00) for the second offense and a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1000) and revocation of driver's license for the third offense.” 

The passenger or pillion rider is similarly prohibited from wearing slippers, flip-flops, sandals, or any other type of open-toe footwear. Only closed-toe shoes, boots, and other footwear are allowed. If you crash your bike and your unprotected feet hit the ground, the result could be a gnarly and bloody affair. So, if you value your money, license, and not to mention your safety, then it would be wise to wear the right gear.

What you can wear instead

boots

While riding boots are always the safest type of footwear for riding a motorcycle, there are other options you can take. If you're going for a short ride, perhaps around your neighborhood or a nearby area, then a pair of lightweight sneakers would do. It doesn't have to be fancy, but your toes do need to be covered to comply with the LTO's directives. 

If you want a bit more protection, you can go with street boots. These can still be casual while providing an adequate amount of protection with special soles and tougher materials. 

On longer rides on the highway, touring boots are best. Of course, these tend to be heavier but provide plenty of coverage. Adventure boots are best for dual-sport riding. These are similar to touring boots but are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions. There are also dirt bike boots and racing boots, and you can probably guess their purpose.

As you may now know, there are plenty of footwear options you could ride with instead of slippers. Pick one of them according to your riding style and needs, and you would be significantly more protected.

Related:
A beginner’s guide to the different types of motorcycle boots

Conclusion

Riding a motorcycle while wearing slippers is a bad idea. Not only is it illegal, but you would be unnecessarily endangering yourself, your passenger, and other motorists on the road. 

No one likes getting tickets and paying for fines, and surely no one would want their driver's license revoked. If you value riding your motorcycle as much as you say you do, then please wear the proper footwear at all times.

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