Drivers have been warned not to drive with a common accessory this bank holiday weekend, as it could lead to fines of up to £5,000 and nine penalty points on their licence.
With temperatures set to reach 27C and the late May bank holiday upon us, millions of motorists are expected to hit the road. The scorching heat often leads drivers to prioritise comfort over practicality, but footwear can make a huge difference to whether you face a hefty fine or not.
Flip-flops and the law
While wearing flip-flops is not illegal, the Highway Code states that drivers must wear clothing and footwear that does not prevent them from using the controls properly. Loose footwear could become an issue if it slips off or contributes to a collision.
Mark Reece, Motoring Expert and Surron E Bike Specialist at Rev Monkey UK, warned drivers to pick sensible footwear. He said: "It is not illegal to drive in flip-flops, but drivers still have a legal responsibility to stay in full control of the vehicle. If footwear slips off, gets trapped or affects braking, police could argue that the driver failed to operate the vehicle safely."
Penalties for careless driving
Motorists could face an on-the-spot £100 fine and three penalty points. In more serious cases that go to court, careless driving carries fines of up to £5,000 and as many as nine points on a licence.
Reece added: "The Highway Code states that footwear should not prevent drivers from using the controls properly, which means inappropriate shoes could become an issue after a collision or traffic stop."
Safe footwear advice
He advised: "Drivers should avoid shoes with very soft soles or overly thick soles, as both can reduce pedal control and feedback. Narrow shoes with a firm grip are generally the safest option because they lower the chance of slipping or accidentally pressing two pedals at once."
