Drivers risk £5,000 fines for wearing inappropriate footwear as the UK heatwave hits, motoring experts have warned. While it is not illegal to drive in the UK wearing any specific shoes, compromising safety can lead to a charge of driving without due care and attention.
Safety Concerns with Flip-Flops and Heels
Admiral, a leading car insurance provider, advises motorists to swap heels or flip-flops for comfortable shoes or trainers while driving, and to put on other footwear upon arrival. The Highway Code states: "You SHOULD ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner."
Selim Cavanagh, from insurance firm Ingenie, said: "[Flip-flops] slip off, slide under the pedals, get caught between your feet and the pedals, and if your feet are wet, they’ll affect your ability to brake if you need to. Driving in flip-flops can create a dangerous driving environment and put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk."
RAC Advice on Footwear
According to the RAC: "While light, flimsy and impractical footwear can be dangerous, so can sturdy, robust shoes, such as walking or snow boots. It's important to have a good base and grip to apply pressure to the pedals, but you need a certain degree of finesse to manipulate the controls. If not, you could strike the brake and accelerator together, producing a heart-in-mouth incident."
Legal Implications
You can drive barefoot or in flip-flops provided you can operate the controls safely. However, if you do so with wet feet, you might be putting yourself and others at risk, which is illegal. The Driving Standards Agency does not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force as with shoes on.
