Driving in these popular shoes this summer could result in a £5K fine
With summer fast approaching and temperatures continuing to soar, many people are opting for easy footwear that is comfortable to wear in the heat, so it's no surprise that Crocs are the must-have summer shoe for 2025.
Demand for the popular footwear has skyrocketed in recent years, with 1.3 million Google searches for Crocs in the past month alone. However, experts are now warning that wearing Crocs when driving is not as convenient as many motorists may believe.
Being caught wearing the clogs when behind the wheel could actually cost drivers £5000.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have 'footwear and clothing which does not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner'.
Whilst it's not illegal to drive in Crocs and sandals, drivers should err on the side of caution as if an accident occurs, the police can issue a fine of up to £5,000 if they find your footwear to be inappropriate.
On top of that, drivers can be issued nine points on their license, which can lead to higher insurance prices and further consequences if caught by the police again in the future.
Shoes that are not securely fastened to your feet may also be at risk of slipping, which could cause severe safety problems when reaching for the pedals.
Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: 'While it is not illegal to drive shoeless or in improper footwear, drivers should hold off on wearing footwear that doesn't allow them to operate their car properly.
'Anyone who is driving has the responsibility to operate their car and pedals correctly.
"So even with the warm weather, it may seem easy to slip on your Crocs and other sandals, however, this can have a large impact on your ability to drive and safely operate your car.
'Drivers should consider having an extra pair of shoes in their car, but they should make sure they are not too wide or too thick to avoid pressing two pedals at once.
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"Ultimately, an extra pair of shoes will mean drivers can avoid fines and prioritise safety on the roads by ensuring they have the correct footwear for their vehicle."
High heels can also significantly reduce your ability to operate pedals when driving.
"Again, if your footwear affects your control of the vehicle, motorists could be hit with a £100 fine and three points on your licence.
The same applies for flip flops and backless sandals.
John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco.com said: 'It's easy to overlook how your choice of clothing or footwear can affect your driving, especially in hot weather, but even something as simple as a pair of flip-flops or a long skirt can reduce your control of a vehicle.
'If this leads to an accident or you're stopped by police, you could face serious consequences.
'So we're urging all drivers to think practically before getting behind the wheel this spring and summer - your outfit shouldn't compromise your safety or anyone else's.'
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