Buzzapp Master 
It may be tempting to kick off your clunky shoes and go for a drive during the hot weather.
But before heading out in sandals, sliders, flip flops or even going barefoot, we have some words of warning for you. According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, motorists must ensure their footwear does not hinder their ability to operate vehicle controls safely and effectively.
For this reason, you should opt for shoes with proper fastenings that are less likely to slip while you’re at the wheel. Failing to adhere to the rules could cause you to be slapped with a fine of up to £100.
The Highway Code reads: “Before setting off: You must ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.
In the event of an accident or if stopped by police drivers found to be wearing inappropriate shoes risk an on-the-spot fine of £100 for “driving without due care and attention” along with three penalty points on their licence.
If this is escalated to court, penalties can skyrocket to fines up to £5,000 and nine points – putting them dangerously close to losing their driving licence altogether.
Even though Redditors admitted to “driving in sandals”, this isn’t advised. While it may not be illegal, experts say you should think twice about the choice of attire.
An RAC statement reads: “You can get behind the wheel of a vehicle barefoot or while wearing flip flops, provided you are able to operate the controls safely.
“If you do so with wet feet, for example, you might be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk by not being able to drive the car safely. This is illegal.
“And while it’s not illegal to drive without shoes on, that doesn’t mean it’s right. According to the Driving Standards Agency – the body that regulates the UK driving test – ‘suitable shoes are particularly important 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’.”
Why shouldn’t you drive barefoot? Bare feet may lack the necessary grip on pedals. Without shoes, your feet might slip off the brake, accelerator, or clutch pedals, especially if your feet are sweaty or wet, increasing the risk of an accident.
Driving barefoot can negatively impact your tactile control over the pedals. Shoes often provide more even pressure or leverage, whereas bare feet might make it harder to apply consistent pressure to the accelerator or brake.
In the event of a sudden stop, crash, or emergency, your feet are more vulnerable to injury without the protection that shoes provide. Road debris, glass, or sharp objects from a crash could cause harm.
Driving barefoot can be uncomfortable, particularly if the pedals are textured or if the footwell is uneven. Discomfort can lead to distraction, which increases accident risk.
Why shouldn’t you drive wearing flip flops? Flip-flops can make it harder to apply the correct amount of pressure to the pedals. The loose and flimsy nature of a flip-flop can lead to less precise movements and reduced control over the accelerator, brake, or clutch.
What’s more, the smooth or flexible soles of flip-flops can easily slip off the pedal, increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially during sudden braking or acceleration.
Flip-flops can become wedged under or between the pedals due to their loose fit and floppy structure, potentially delaying your reaction time or preventing you from pressing the correct pedal.
They also don’t provide the same level of grip or stability as closed shoes. Your foot may move inside the flip-flop or slide off it entirely, making it harder to effectively control the pedals.
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