August 18, 2017

Improper Footwear When Driving

There’s a fair amount of uncertainty regarding whether it’s against the law to drive barefoot, in flip flops or stiletto heels.
The Highway Code states that motorists must not wear footwear that compromises their ability to use the vehicle foot controls properly. Specifically, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that before setting off on a journey, you should ensure that ‘clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner’.
Always bear in mind when stepping into your vehicle while wearing impractical footwear that you might well be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk by not being able to drive the car safely. So while it is not illegal to wear improper footwear while driving, it is however against the law to drive unsafely.
According to the Driving Standards Agency, “suitable shoes are particularly important when behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”

Safe driving from Britannia!