Item of clothing can land you £100 fine while driving in heatwave
Fines could rise to £5,000 and nine penalty points in more serious cases
Drivers have been warned of the dangers of driving wearing flip flops
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto )
As temperatures rise in Wales, drivers are being urged to think twice about their choice of footwear, particularly when it comes to flip-flops, sliders and sandals. Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, motorists must ensure their clothing and footwear do not prevent them from using vehicle controls safely.
Wearing shoes that slip off easily or reduce braking force could land you with a £100 fine and three penalty points for 'driving without due care and attention', and more if the case ends up in court. While it's not technically illegal to drive in flip-flops, it is illegal to drive unsafely, and police can issue penalties on the spot if your footwear is deemed a risk.
A spokesperson for car repair experts at Bumper warned: 'Driving in flip-flops or loose summer sandals may feel comfortable, but it can quickly become dangerous.
"These types of footwear offer poor grip and can easily slip off or get caught between the pedals.
"We'd always recommend keeping a pair of secure driving shoes in your car during summer months to avoid fines, points on your licence, or worse, an accident.'
Motorists found driving in unsuitable footwear could be prosecuted under careless driving laws.
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Fines could potentially rise to £5,000 and nine penalty points in more serious cases.
The penalty can also lead to increased insurance premiums.
Experts recommend wearing shoes with a sole no thicker than 10mm, good grip, and secure fastening, such as laces or Velcro, to avoid accidental slipping.
In recent years, drivers have admitted online to wearing open-toed shoes behind the wheel, with many unaware of the risks.
Others note the lack of pedal control when wearing flimsy footwear, especially in manual cars where frequent foot movement is essential.
The RAC has clarified that while there's no law explicitly banning flip-flops, drivers must be in full control of their vehicle at all times.
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Driving barefoot or in unsafe shoes could compromise that control.
With millions of expected to take to the roads for day trips and holidays this summer, road safety experts are calling on all drivers to check their footwear before they drive, and to treat driving as seriously as any other part of their journey.
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