In the summer there is nothing better than putting the woolley socks and boots into the depths of our wardrobe and stepping into our cool and breezy flip flops!
But is it safe or will we find our selves in hot weather if we drive whilst wearing flip flops?
There is no specific legislation that stops you from driving wearing flip flops but Rule 97 of the highway code states that drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.
Flip flop could slip off your feet, become wedged under the pedals or prevent you from braking quickly enough when required. If you were involved in an accident caused by the wearing of flipflops affecting your ability to control the vehicle you would guilty of an offence.
Breaking the highway code in itself does not result in an offence per se but could lead to other offences.
If stopped by the police without being involved in an accident you could face offences of
- Not being in proper control of your vehicle which carries a low fine and 3 points if summonsed for court or fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/not-in-proper-control/
- Driving without due care and attention which carries a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points up to Band C fine (150% of weekly income) and 9 points or a discretionary disqualification. https://roadtrafficdefencelawyers.co.uk/careless-driving-page/
However, if you were involved in an accident caused by the wearing of flip flops you could face much more serious offences such as
- Dangerous driving particularly if the consequences were serious. This carries a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment and a mandatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months with an extended re-test
- Causing serious injury by dangerous driving which carries up to 5 years imprisonment and a minimum disqualification of 2 years with an extended re-test.
So drive safely this summer, take off the flip flops when driving and put on secure sandals, pumps or trainers.
Source https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/6860103/driving-in-flip-flops-5000-fine-nine-penalty-points-road-ban
23rd June 2022 Andrea Clegg