At a glance
Driving barefoot or in flip-flops, driving in heavy boots or in high heels... Is it allowed?
On holiday or at home in hot weather, some people get behind the wheel barefoot or wearing flip-flops or shoes that don't stay on properly.
In winter, some drive in heavy boots or ankle boots.
Many women get behind the wheel wearing high heels.
Is this allowed?
The highway code
The law (the highway code) doesn't specify what type of shoes you must wear while driving. Only the following provision appears in the Highway Code (art 8.3):
"8.3. Every driver must be fit to drive, have the necessary physical qualities, and possess the required knowledge and skill.
*They must be constantly able to carry out all the manoeuvres required of them and must at all times keep control of the vehicle or of the animals they are driving."
So it doesn't matter what type of footwear you wear while driving, as long as the driver keeps control of the vehicle (acceleration, braking, stopping, …) and can easily carry out the required manoeuvres.
This rule is generally similar abroad.
So, if the police notice (or judge) that what you're wearing (or not wearing) on your feet prevents you from driving safely, you can be fined, because you're indirectly endangering the safety of other road users.
This is then a second-degree offence, which will cost you a fine of €110 to €120.
In addition, in the event of an accident, insurers could also hold this against you if the accident is caused by the same reasons.
Abroad, most countries follow the same rule. Some of them can be very strict about this and fine you if you're not wearing suitable shoes that let you drive your vehicle properly. This is the case, among others, in France and Spain.
In Spain, it's also forbidden to drive shirtless.
Common sense
- Outside this legal framework, it's obvious that driving barefoot or in shoes that don't stay on properly could put you in a very uncomfortable situation if you have to leave your vehicle and walk following a breakdown or accident.
- Shoes that don't stay on properly can also slip off your foot while driving and get stuck between or under the pedals.
- As for high heels, they can get in the way of pressing the pedal down or get caught in the car mat.
- Heavy winter boots or ankle boots have the disadvantage of being heavy and bulky, and of preventing you from feeling the pedal properly with your foot.
Our advice is therefore to wear shoes that avoid this kind of problem.
Better still, keep a pair of driving shoes in the vehicle in case you're not wearing the right pair...
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Also read:
- Driving in hot weather
- Traffic offences committed abroad
