Is It Illegal To Drive In Flip Flops, Sandals, Or Swimwear?

If you’ve spent a day on the beach or relaxing in the sun, the last thing you want to do is get into a hot car and make the drive home. So, it can be tempting to skip a few steps - like driving home barefoot to avoid sandy feet in shoes, or opting for sandals or flip flops for ease. But, in neglecting your trainers for the journey home, are you actually breaking any laws?

While most of us are up to scratch with our general Highway Code knowledge, it’s surprising how many motorists don’t know what the rules are surrounding suitable footwear and getting behind the wheel.

Read on to find out what the law really says about driving barefoot and in flip-flops.

Can you drive in flip-flops?

If you think boots or trainers are really going to ruin your look, you’re in luck. There are no official UK laws that prevent drivers from wearing flip-flops while operating a car. By law, you can’t be prosecuted for the sole act of wearing flip-flops while driving (pun intended), if you are able to keep the vehicle under control and drive safely. 

Not illegal, but ill-advised

However, if wearing unsuitable footwear causes you to lose control over your vehicle or inhibits you from driving safely, that’s another matter. There may not be specific legislation prohibiting driving in “summer shoes”, but the law does stipulate that drivers must always maintain proper control over their vehicles. If your footwear prevents you from doing so, then you are breaking the law - and may face consequences. 

Don’t get caught out...  

While you can technically wear open-toed shoes or shoes with heels (and so on) to drive, whether you should is another matter altogether - especially if you want to ensure the safety of your passengers and other road users. 

Should you drive in flip-flops & sandals?

Open-toed shoes like sandals aren’t designed for driving like trainers or plimsoles are. Not only do they have reduced grip, but they also lack the secure fastenings to keep your feet in the shoe. Below are some of the main risks associated with driving in unsuitable footwear like flip-flops:

• Poor grip: Flip-flops have minimal traction, meaning that your feet are much more likely to slip off the pedals or miss the pedals in emergency situations where fast response times are critical.
• Reduced accuracy: These types of shoes allow your feet to move freely, preventing accurate pedal control and responsive braking (EG: it may be harder to push down the pedal softly or firmly).
• Distraction: If your shoes slip off while driving, you may get distracted trying to locate it and put it back on while keeping your eyes on the road, potentially causing you to swerve or miss hazards.

Is it illegal to drive barefoot?

But, what about no shoes at all? If you hate the feeling of sandy feet in socks and shoes after the beach, it really is tempting to leave the footwear out altogether. Just like flip-flops, though, while driving barefoot is not against the law, it’s ill-advised due to safety reasons. 

While you are within your rights to pop your pumps on the passenger seat and drive barefoot, it’s important to remember that, if an accident occurs or you’re caught driving dangerously and your footwear (or lack thereof) is found to have contributed, there can be penalties. 

Why shouldn't you drive barefoot?

Driving barefoot is not the norm for a reason. As drivers, we’re used to the feeling of shoes and the amount of pressure we need to apply to the pedals while wearing them. Without shoes, your ability to gauge is thrown off, and you’ll likely be braking too slowly or too suddenly. 

It’s unsurprising to note that your feet also have way less grip than a decent pair of trainers — not to mention the fact that your feet may get slippery when sweaty or wet. All of those factors combined make it much more difficult to drive without shoes, and all the more logical to don your trainers before heading home, no matter how hot you are.

Can you drive in swimwear?

If you’re heading home from the beach in your swimwear or beach gear (perhaps you got too cold and dashed to the car, or just couldn't be bothered to change), what does the law say?

Again, not illegal! But not sensible either. You need to be comfortable when you drive and not be distracted by clothing. Here’s why you might want to don a t-shirt before setting off:

• Your seatbelt might not function safely over swimwear (causing burns or harm to your skin).
• You may get too cold and look to grab a jumper from the backseat — taking your eyes off the road.
• Or you may feel restricted in your movement, failing to operate the vehicle controls safely. 

Wet, unsuitable clothing does not make for a focused, comfortable, safe ride home. This is all to say: don’t drive in a wetsuit or a bikini. Be safe.

What does the law actually say about driving attire?

We’ve established that driving barefoot or in swimwear or sandals isn’t technically illegal, but what does the law actually say to motorists looking for guidance? And is it possible to be persecuted for these acts?

The Highway Code, Rule 97

Rule 97 of the Highway Code stipulates that, before setting off, you should make sure that your “clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner”. This means the shoes that you’re wearing should not interfere with your control of the vehicle, nor inhibit your ability to drive safely.

Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 41D

The Road Traffic Act stresses the importance of having control over a vehicle, stating drivers should not drive “a motor vehicle in a position which does not give proper control or a full view of the road and traffic ahead”. While this rule doesn’t explicitly mention clothes, the phrase “in a position which does not give proper control” can extend to footwear choices impeding correct foot placement on a pedal (causing delayed braking and potential collisions, etc).

Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 3ZA

Under the ‘Driving Without Due Care and Attention’ section of the Road Traffic Act,  there are a number of rules that outline how drivers must be competent and careful behind the wheel. To quote the Act: “A person is to be regarded as driving without due care and attention if [...]the way he drives falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.” 

If your footwear causes you to drive recklessly or without “due care and attention” you could face penalties of £100 and three points on your license. If the matter goes to court, the cost and points increase further!

Don't slip up on road safety

Be it a cheap pair of flip-flops folding on the pedal or too-sudden braking when barefoot, don’t slip up on road safety by wearing the wrong driving attire. Follow the tips below to drive safer and stay compliant with UK law and Highway Code regulations:

• Keep a spare pair of shoes handy. If you’re planning to live at the beach all summer, keep a spare pair of trainers in the boot of your car or on the passenger seat.
• Keep a towel and some socks handy too. If it’s dreaded sand that’s preventing you from wearing shoes on the drive home, keep a clean pair of socks and some wet wipes or a towel in your car.
• Use the AC. If you’re reluctant to wear proper footwear or clothing because you’re too hot, you can always direct the air conditioning vents to reach down to your footwell, cooling off your feet in seconds.
• Pack suitable clothes. You can’t drive if you’re distracted by being too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable. So, keep a bag of comfy clothes handy in the boot (like a hoodie if it’s cold). You can always keep a hat or sunglasses in the centre console to avoid glare too.  

It’s not just your footwear that can throw you off, though. If your car hasn’t been maintained well, there’s always the risk that it could break down on you, overheat, or get a flat tyre. If that happens, you’re not getting home quickly, shoes or not.

Keep your car in good working order with regular servicing from Kwik Fit. Worried about the condition of your tyres? Book in for a free tyre check or free vehicle safety check at your local Kwik Fit today.