Is it legal to drive in flip flops?

The heatwave is on as hot weather sweeps the country – with temperatures tipped to pass the 30 degree celsius mark once again today.

With that in mind, you might want to air out your toes with a lovely pair of sandals; perhaps even flip flops – or even go barefoot.

However, the rumour persists that that driving in flip-flops or barefoot is not actually legal to wear while you’re behind the wheel.

And as silly as it sounds, there’s a whole load of misconceptions when it comes to legalities of what shoes you can wear driving.

If you’re unsure, here’s everything you need to know.

Can you wear flip flops while driving or go barefoot?

While technically it’s not illegal to drive in flip-flops, socks or while barefoot, it’s definitely not advised – as it could land you a hefty fine and a whole lot of penalty points.

Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers are told that they’re required to wear ‘footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.’ – and such footwear, or lack, of, could be seen as a contravention of this.

So, if you’re wearing a bendy kind of flip-flop that might come loose and hook under a pedal or slide off and make it hard to brake correctly, it could cost you dearly.

The Driving Standards Agency has pointed out that if you happen to have wet feet, you could be putting yourself and others at risk by driving barefoot, or in socks or flip-flops.

‘Suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel.,’ they say. ‘We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.’

If you do happen to be stopped for driving erratically or dangerously, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention. The maximum penalty for this is a £5,000 fine, up to nine points on your license, or even a driving ban.

Even less severe cases can warrant a £100 on-the-spot fine and three points. Basically, the time it’d take to put some socks and shoes on is a whole lot let hassle than all of that.

What sort of footwear should you drive in?

The RAC has offered the following guidelines on suitable footwear for driving, saying shoes should:

• Have a sole no thicker than 10mm, but the sole should not be too thin or too soft
• Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals
• Not be too heavy
• Not limit ankle movement
• Be narrow enough to accidentally avoid pressing two pedals at once

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