With a heatwave currently sweeping across the country, you might be tempted to chuck on some flip flops for driving, but you might not know that you could end up in trouble if you get into a crash.
There's no official rule banning the wearing of flip flops, but the Highway Code does tell drivers they must wear 'footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.
As flip flops are basically designed to slip on and off, there's a chance they could come off while you're in the driving seat or they could end up getting stuck underneath a pedal, which would cause an accident or lead to erratic driving.
If stopped by police over concerns for your driving, or if you're involved in a crash, you could face a charge of driving without due care and attention, which carries an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three points on your licence.
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In a more serious case, you could even end up in court and whacked with a fine of up to £5,000, up to nine points on your licence or even a driving ban.
Speaking to The Sun, IAM RoadSmart's director of policy and research Neil Greig said: "Before setting off, you should ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.
"If flip flops stopped you being in control you could be prosecuted, as you are breaking Highway Code Rule 97.
"Careless driving is mostly judged on the impact your driving has on others around you, so if you are spotted swerving or braking erratically and then stopped and found to have inadequate footwear, you could be prosecuted.
"If you do cause a crash, then it could also be an aggravating factor against you in court and lead to a slightly higher fine or longer ban."
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RAC guidelines suggest that proper driving footwear should:
- provide enough grip so your foot doesn't slip
- not limit ankle movement
- not be too heavy
- have a sole of no more than 10mm thick, that is neither too thin or too soft
So maybe save your flip flops for the beach, eh?
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