Driving Without Shoes – Is It Illegal In The UK?
Whether driving without shoes is illegal in the UK is unclear. Many reasons exist for breaking the law. These points may be true, but none are correct. In conclusion, driving in the UK without shoes is legal, as are flip-flops. A catch exists. If you can use the keys safely, it doesn’t matter what you wear to drive. Wet feet can make driving unsafe for you, your guests, and others. It is illegal. You can also check “Is it illegal to smoke and drive in the UK?“
Driving without shoes is legal, but not right. According to the Driving Standards Agency, which runs the UK driving test, driving shoes are crucial. Without shoes, you can’t stop as fast. Asking different people at different times if driving without shoes is legal will likely yield different answers.
Can I Drive Shoeless?
Driving with barefoot is legal, but the highway code prohibits it if it impairs vehicle control. Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires you to check your clothing and footwear before driving to ensure proper control. Flip-flops and other loose shoes may catch under the stop pedal. It would make it harder for you to control the car in an emergency, which is against the Highway Code.
It could also be seen as breaking Rule 97 to drive without shoes, especially if your feet are wet from going to the beach. Wet feet make it harder to utilize the controls, which is against the Highway Code.
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If Found Driving Without Shoes, What Happens?
Your shoes may force you to brake too quickly or drive carelessly, which could result in a traffic stop and penalties for inattentive driving. Driver neglect can result in a £5,000 fine and nine points. Your chances of receiving a £100 fixed penalty notice are higher.
Is it Okay to Drive Without Shoes?
Following the Highway Code’s rules about the dangers of going barefoot makes it clear that the time you’ll save by not having to put on shoes and socks isn’t worth the risk when it comes to safety. The Driving Standards Agency says you don’t have the same stopping power when barefoot as when wearing shoes.
When choosing shoes for driving, we have also added some guidelines. For example, to allow you to feel the pedals adequately, the sole should not be thicker than 10 mm. Avoid shoes with thin or soft soles, which may make pedalling harder. Also, make sure they are thin enough that you can only press one leg at a time and have enough grip to stay on the pedals.
Also check: Driving without an MOT in the UK– what’s the risk
What Could Go Wrong If I Drive Without Shoes On?
If you are driving without shoes, you might not be able to fully control the car because your feet won’t reach the wheels either. For instance, not providing adequate braking force without shoes could prevent a front-to-rear crash at lights. It is not illegal to drive without shoes, but you are still in charge of other people’s safety and your own. Drivers who are unsafe breach the law.
Drive-in Flip-Flops?
Driving in flip-flops or barefoot is legal. According to the Highway Code, flip-flops are permissible but not recommended. If you do get caught, you could still get a big fine.
What Would Happen If I Was Driving Without Shoes and Got into a Crash?
Driving without shoes may not be illegal, but you could still be held accountable for an accident if investigating authorities determine that your attire did not allow you to operate the car safely. Getting out of a crashed automobile with nothing on your feet is not a good look, even if you don’t think you’ll be held responsible!