Is it illegal to drive barefoot or while wearing flip flops?

If you drive while wearing flip flops, can you be fined? 

If someone asked you this question, what would you answer? It seems something obviously true, right? Well, the short and simple answer is no. There’s nothing on the UK Highway Code that claims that it’s illegal to drive barefoot, while wearing flip flops or even bare-chested.

But, that can only be a lie! After all, there have been people that were fined for driving while wearing flip flops. It’s true, there has been cases of people that had to pay a fine, but that was because they were unware that there’s no such law, so they couldn’t claim that what they were doing, driving while wearing flip flops, wasn’t illegal.

The only rule of the UK Highway Code about this subject, in a wider sense, is Rule 97, which says that you should ensure that: “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.” As you can see, it’s a very broad notion, which doesn’t specify what types of shoes shouldn’t be worn while driving. You can see it for yourself by going to the UK Highway Code website.

So, does that mean that it’s recommended to drive while wearing flip flops? Once again, no. Driving while wearing flip flops is a very unadvisable practice and it’s many times the cause of many car accidents, due to several risks. For example, the pedals can easily get stuck between your foot and the flip flop, which makes you lose control of the vehicle and increases the time that takes you to stop.

That’s what happened to an 85 year old man in California, that, as he tried to park his car in the garage, one of his flip flops got stuck underneath the throttle, thus losing control and ending up falling into the pool, where his car was completely submerged. Luckily, nobody was at the pool at that time and the driver, even though in a state of shock, go out unharmed. If you’re interested, this news is available on the Mirror online.

Another thing that can happen is that flip flops can slip off and go under the pedals. In this case, the driver may lose his/her focus, since their too preoccupied looking for the flip flops.

Many driving instructors even refer that flip flops are one of the most unsafe options to drive, together with high heels, wedges and barefooted.

Another recommendation is not to drive with shoes with a very hard or thick sole, since it can keep the driver from feeling the pedals.

So, what are the best shoes to wear while driving? In general, flat shoes provide good traction with the pedals and allow the driver to feel what type of pressure he’s exercising. Flats and sneakers are the most advisable.

There are many people that prefer to have a specific pair appropriate to drive safe in their car, so as not to take any risks.

However, you need to pay attention, especially when you travel, that driving barefoot or while wearing flip flops can be considered an offence in other countries. In countries like Germany and France, this practice is illegal and it can mean high fines. In France, for example, it was only considered and offence since July 2015, as well as the use of headphones while driving.

What do you think? Do you believe that driving while wearing flip flops should be considered and offence in every country? Better yet, have you ever drove barefooted or while wearing flip flops? Or do you prefer another kind of shoes while driving? Tell us your opinion here, on the EscapeShoes blog!