Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.
Do federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from wearing flip-flops, sandals or other open-toed shoes?
This oft-debated topic was the focus of a recent post on a trucking-related Facebook page with 91,000 followers.
The Monday, June 15 post claimed that truck drivers are getting fined for their shoes.
“You can get in big trouble just because of what’s on your feet,” the post states. “DOT officers have started cracking down hard on drivers wearing certain footwear.”
The post added that no warnings are being given, just citations.
No specific amount was mentioned for citations allegedly being issued to truck drivers caught wearing flip-flops, Crocs or sandals.
“If they catch you in the wrong shoes, you’re getting pulled off the road,” the post said. “DOT says you can’t control an 80,000-pound missile dressed for the beach.”
Comments on this post ranged from one individual claiming this was already the law to a story about an inspection officer complimenting a driver’s “flippy floppies.”
Bottom line
No current federal rule specifies footwear for truck drivers.
However, shippers, receivers and warehouses often enforce rules for acceptable footwear.
Additionally, company drivers may be subject to employer-implemented footwear rules, while
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) maintains requirements for protective footwear, but regarding truck drivers, those only apply upon exiting the cab.
Ideally, truck drivers would select footwear based on safety.
Certain types of shoes might not be technically illegal, but if it is determined that a truck driver’s footwear led to pedal slip, delayed braking or reduced control, a case for careless driving can be made.
Lastly, and of note, the bio on the Facebook page says, “Just here to entertain y’all!” LL
Credit: Source link
