Is it legal to drive in Flip-Flops in the UK?
For those of you who have ever ‘Googled’ — ‘Is it illegal to drive in flip-flops?’ then you’ll already know the answer to this question, but let’s delve into the legalities of this question.
Whilst it’s not illegal to drive with a pair of Flip-Flops on or even barefoot, you need to be able to cover the Highway Code Rule 97 which states ‘using the controls in the correct manner.’
Before getting behind the wheel of a car to drive, you must comfortably know that you are able to operate the controls safely. Even by getting into a vehicle with wet feet, you may risk yourself, your passengers and other road users as you are not able to drive the car safely, which of course is illegal.
Can you drive a car in Flip-Flops?
There are many arguments between people on this matter, some say it is illegal other say it’s legal. One of the biggest issues with Flip-flops is that they can slide off and get stuck under the clutch, brake pedal or even the accelerator.
The results of the above could end up in erratic driving or even worse, a collision. If this is the case you could be charged with dangerous and careless driving.
Should you get pulled over by the Police, if they feel that your footwear could cause an accident, then you may receive an on-the-spot fine of £100 plus penalty points on your driving licence.
If you are involved in a serious accident, you might receive a fine of up to £5,000 and up to 9 penalty points, at worse you could receive a driving ban.
RAC Guidelines for footwear when driving.
The RAC recommends the following guidelines on footwear when driving:
- Have a sole no thicker than 10mm…
- …but the Sole should not be too thin or soft
- Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.
- Not be too heavy
- Not limit ankle movement
- Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at the same time.
Taking into account the RAC’s guidelines, this does really rule out high-heels and flip-flops when driving a car.
Highway Code Rule 97
The main area to focus on for the Flip-Flop question; Highway Code 97 is “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”
This really does cover the other question that gets ‘Googled’ — Is it illegal to drive in bare-feet.
Safety is paramount
Whilst we all know safety is extremely important when it comes to driving, common sense does play a huge part in this argument. Do you think its safe to drive in Flip-flops, please leave your comments below and I will try and answer as many as possible.
More about me.
I run a short term car lease business in Belper, Derbyshire called Cocoon Vehicles. I have worked in the motoring industry for over 15 years, which isn’t long compared to some of my clients and partners, but I am a geek and like to keep up to date on matters of interest.