Is it legal to drive in flip-flops?

ViaMichelin Le Mag

Safety first

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Some drivers choose to wear flip-flops while driving in hot weather for comfort or because they are in a hurry. But is it legal to drive barefoot or in flip-flops? Beyond common sense, what does the Highway Code say about driving in flip-flops?

What does the law say about driver’s footwear?

Technically, it is not illegal in the UK to drive while barefoot or wearing flip-flops, but there is a catch. Even though you can get behind the wheel while not wearing shoes or when wearing flip-flops, you must be able to operate the controls safely. If you have wet feet, for example, you might be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk, as you are not able to drive the car safely, and this would be illegal.

Driving while wearing flip-flops is not illegal in itself, but that does not make it right. According to the Driving Standards Agency, the organisation that regulates the UK driving test, your choice of footwear is important. They recommend wearing suitable shoes, as driving barefoot or close to it means that you won’t have the same braking force as you would when wearing shoes.

What are the risks of driving in flip-flops?

Flip-flops, clogs and other types of summer sandals do not have a closure at the back of the foot. This results in impaired ankle support and difficulty in controlling foot movement, which reduces the quality of interaction between the foot and the pedals, with effects such as:

delayed or inefficient braking;
too little or too much acceleration;
a detrimental delay in gear changes;
failure to apply emergency braking;
locking of the pedals if the flip-flop comes off the foot and gets stuck under the accelerator.

What does the Highway Code say about footwear?

Rule 97 of the UK Highway Code states that ‘clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner’. Wearing no shoes at all or wearing shoes that prevent you from safely operating the car would breach this rule and could be classed as driving without due care and attention. The RAC advises against driving while wearing sandals, flip-flops, hiking boots or large high heels.

Penalties for the driver

If you are in an accident and are found to be barefoot or wearing flip flops by the police, then you may be found to be ‘driving without due care and attention’. This offence carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three penalty points on your driving licence. If the case goes to court, the fine could rise as high as £5,000, along with nine penalty points and a driving ban.

Note

Other behaviours that can lead to such a conviction include eating, drinking, smoking, changing a CD or being distracted by passengers while driving.

Although the law allows for some latitude, it is strongly recommended that comfortable footwear be worn to support the foot when driving. Wearing flip-flops might cause difficulties in manoeuvring and may lead to driving without due care and attention.

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