Quick Overview
Driving in flip flops means wearing loose, open-backed sandals while controlling a car. In the UK, it’s not against the law to wear flip flops when driving, but the key rule is that you must always stay in full control of your vehicle.
This guide covers:
✅ There is no law banning flip flops, sandals, heels, or even barefoot driving
✅ Rule 97 of the Highway Code says footwear must not stop you using the pedals correctly
✅ If flip flops slip, get stuck, or reduce control, you could be fined for careless driving
✅ Penalties can include fines up to £5,000, penalty points, or even a driving ban
✅ Insurance claims may be affected if unsafe footwear plays a part in an accident
It’s a sunny day in the UK. You’ve thrown on a T-shirt, sunglasses, and your most comfortable pair of flip flops. You’re off for a coastal drive or a trip to the local shops. But just as you start the engine, a thought hits you—
“Is it actually legal to drive in flip flops?”
It’s a fair question and one that confuses a lot of drivers. After all, driving safety is serious business. You may have heard people say that driving barefoot or in flip flops can land you with a fine or even invalidate your insurance. But how much of that is true?
In this blog, we’ll get to the bottom of this popular driving myth. We’ll look at what the law says, what driving experts recommend, whether you can be fined, and how to keep yourself safe (and legal) when behind the wheel.
Is It Illegal to Drive in Flip Flops in the UK?
Let’s get the simple answer out of the way:
No, it is not technically illegal to drive in flip flops in the UK.
There is no specific law in the UK that bans certain types of footwear while driving—including flip flops, sandals, high heels, or even driving barefoot.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
So Why Do People Say It’s Illegal?
Although there’s no specific law saying “you can’t drive in flip flops,” UK law does state that you must be in full control of your vehicle at all times.
That requirement comes from Rule 97 of the Highway Code, which says:
“You should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”
That means if your flip flops slide off, get stuck under the pedals, or affect your braking or acceleration—you could be seen as driving without due care and attention.
This offence can carry:
- A fine of up to £5,000
- Up to 9 penalty points
- Even a driving ban in the most serious cases
So while it’s not illegal on its own, you could still be fined if your footwear contributes to unsafe driving.
Enrol for ‘Optimizing Driving Skills for Safety and Efficiency’ Course!
Can You Get Fined Specifically for Flip Flops?
In short, not for the flip flops themselves—but for the consequences of wearing them while driving.
If you cause an accident or are stopped by police and it’s found that your footwear contributed to poor control, you could face penalties under:
- Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Careless Driving)
- Highway Code Rule 97
In other words, you can be fined if your flip flops impair your ability to drive safely.
What Does the DVLA Say About Flip Flops?
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) doesn’t issue formal rules on footwear—but they echo the advice of the Highway Code.
Driving schools and instructors routinely warn against wearing flip flops, sandals without heel support, or any footwear that could slip off or compromise control.
In fact, driving barefoot or in flimsy shoes like flip flops is often discouraged during driving tests, and many instructors will refuse to take you out if you’re not wearing appropriate footwear.
What Makes Flip Flops Risky While Driving?
Let’s break down why flip flops are considered unsafe:
- Lack of grip – The smooth soles can slide off the pedals
- Poor control – They don’t offer support around the foot or heel
- Pedal interference – Loose sandals can get caught under pedals
- Slippage – Feet may slip out while braking, especially in emergency stops
- Delayed reaction – Thin soles reduce feedback from the pedals
According to a 2018 study by a UK motoring organisation, flip flops were among the top five riskiest types of footwear for drivers—alongside high heels, wedges, and platform shoes.
Can It Affect My Insurance Claim?
This is where things get even more serious.
If you’re involved in a road traffic accident and you were wearing flip flops, your insurer could argue that you were partially or fully at fault—especially if poor control of the vehicle played a role.
Wearing flip flops might be considered negligent, and that could:
- Lead to your claim being reduced
- Increase your premiums
- Or, in extreme cases, cause your insurance to be invalidated altogether
So while your insurer may not outright refuse cover just because you wore flip flops, it can influence how your claim is handled.
What Should You Wear Instead?
The best driving footwear should be:
- Secure and well-fitting
- Flat-soled with good grip
- Thin enough to feel the pedals properly
- Flexible but supportive around the foot
Examples of good driving footwear include:
- Trainers or flat shoes with rubber soles
- Soft loafers or driving moccasins
- Purpose-built driving shoes (yes, those exist!)
Avoid shoes with:
- Thick soles (over 10mm)
- High heels
- Heavy boots
- Open backs (like flip flops or slides)
If you really want to drive in comfort, keep a pair of safe shoes in your car just for driving. It’s a small habit that could prevent a big problem.
Can I Drive Barefoot Instead?
Interestingly, driving barefoot is also not illegal in the UK, but it’s subject to the same condition: you must remain in full control of the vehicle.
Bare feet can offer better pedal sensitivity than flip flops, but they also increase the risk of:
- Slipping if your feet are wet
- Less pressure being applied during emergency braking
- Long-term discomfort on longer journeys
So while it’s technically allowed, barefoot driving is discouraged unless you have no better option.
Have People Actually Been Fined?
Yes—there have been several real-world cases where drivers have been fined or prosecuted after losing control due to inappropriate footwear, including flip flops.
In 2013, a driver in Somerset crashed after their flip flop became stuck under the brake pedal. They were fined and received penalty points.
In 2017, another driver in Surrey lost control of their vehicle in wet conditions while wearing sandals—leading to a court appearance and fine.
These examples show that the consequences can be very real, even if you think you’re being cautious.
Enrol for ‘Optimizing Driving Skills for Safety and Efficiency’ Course!
Final Thoughts
Driving in flip flops might feel like a casual, harmless choice—but it can quickly become dangerous. While it’s not illegal in itself, if your footwear causes an accident or hinders your control, you could be fined, penalised, or even have your insurance affected.
So, what’s the smarter move?
Keep your flip flops in the passenger seat, and your safe driving shoes on your feet. It’s a small switch that protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s not illegal to drive in flip flops in the UK, but it is risky.
- Rule 97 of the Highway Code requires drivers to wear appropriate footwear.
- Poor control due to flip flops can lead to fines, penalty points, or insurance issues.
- Driving in secure, grippy, and flat shoes is the safest option.
- Always prioritise control and safety over comfort when behind the wheel.
Planning a road trip or just heading to the shops? Make sure your footwear is road-ready. Your safety—and your licence—depend on it.