As temperatures start to climb flip flops become part of our everyday outfit but unfortunately, there is a lot of uncertainty on whether it is legal or not to wear flip flops while driving.
In the UK driving barefoot or with flip-flops isn’t illegal, but there is a proviso: you can only drive if you can operate the vehicle safely. Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers are advised they must have clothing and footwear that do not prevent using the controls in the correct manner.
Careless driving can be charged with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence. But in more serious cases, if you are stopped by the police and your footwear is deemed to be dangerous or you have been putting yourself and others on the road at risk, you could be charged with a £5,000 fine for dangerous driving and nine penalty points on your licence.
If you are involved in an accident and are wearing flipflops, even if they did not contribute, then opposing lawyers (and insurance companies) could argue that you have not taken the correct actions to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
Wearing flip-flops can be really dangerous, flip-flops can easily slide off, slide under the pedal or get caught between the pedals. If you are driving barefoot and your feet get wet, they can affect your ability to brake and will put you and your passengers in danger.
Here are some important guidelines from RAC on what footwear you should drive in:
- Your shoes should provide enough grip to stop your foot from slipping off the pedals.
- Your shoes should have a sole not thicker than 10mm and it should also not be too thin or soft.
- Your footwear should not limit ankle movement.
- Your shoes should be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once.
- Your shoes should not be too heavy.
Lastly, it’s just not worth the risk, just keep a pair of good driving shoes in your car and you will never put yourself and other people at risk.
We pride ourselves in treating our clients as individuals. Our team of highly experienced lawyers can help you in all areas of personal injury and accident claims. Accident claims are never alike – there are no two cases that are alike, and we strive to ensure that whoever is compensating our clients for their injuries recognises that too.
Please contact us today for an initial free chat, call your local brunch or use the contact box on our website.
