Drivers May Be Fined For Wearing Flip Flops This Summer

We are now approaching the summer. The time of year when, allegedly, the sun will be shining, we will have blue skies, and people will be walking around in open-toed sandals. However, are you aware your choice of footwear could get you in trouble, where, if you drive in flip flops, you could be looking at receiving penalty points, a road ban and a fine?

It may seem incredible, but some feel wearing loose-fitting shoes can affect your ability to control your vehicle with potentially hazardous circumstances, which could see you face a charge of dangerous driving.

If you happen to be in an accident, and it is believed your footwear may have impacted your driving, then you could have problems. According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, it is recommended motorists choose footwear or clothing which does not inhibit them from using the controls or driving safely.

It may seem over cautious, but flip flops could slip off your feet by accident or get stuck underneath the pedals. This could stop you from pressing down on the pedals if you must hit the brakes in the event of a possible collision. You may end up driving unpredictably which may even lead to an accident. If you are thought to be driving erratically and your footwear is the cause, then you could be looking at a charge of careless driving, or without due care or attention.

It is not actually illegal to wear flip flops when driving, but around 30% of UK motorists are under the impression it is against the law. However, drivers are advised to make sure that, before heading off on their journey, they are not wearing any clothes or footwear which could impede them from operating the pedals. If your flip flops are preventing you having control of your vehicle you may be in violation of Highway Code Rule 97and risk prosecution.

If you are found to guilty of careless driving, you can receive a £100 fine and three penalty points on your driving license. However, depending on the seriousness of the case, or if it gets to court, you could be given a fine up to £5000 and nine penalty points. It could even result in a driving ban. A recent study has shown over a quarter of British motorists may risk such punishment by choosing to wear flip instead of shoes when driving.

So, if you don’t wish to pay the penalty, you had better watch what you put on your feet when you get behind the wheel this summer.