Posted on the 27th July 2026 in PHTM News

IS IT LEGAL TO DRIVE WEARING FLIP FLOPS OR SLIDERS?

THE LAW SAYS:

You can get behind the wheel wearing flip flops or sliders provided you are able to operate the controls safely.

Footwear when driving:

There are some basic guidelines you should follow when selecting footwear to drive in. Your shoe should:

• Have a sole no thicker than 10mm - but the sole should not be too thin or soft.

• Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.

• Not be too heavy.

• Not limit ankle movement.

• Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once.

This does technically categorise some types of footwear – such as high-heels and flip-flops – unsuitable for piloting a car.

While light, flimsy and impractical footwear can be dangerous, so can sturdy, robust shoes, such as walking or snow boots.

It’s important to have a good base and grip to apply pressure to the pedals, but you need a certain degree of finesse to manipulate the controls. If not, you could strike the brake and accelerator together, producing a heart-in-mouth incident.

THE HIGHWAY CODE SAYS:

The Highway Code advises that your clothing and footwear must not prevent you from using the vehicle controls correctly.

Rule 97 of the code states that before setting off, drivers should ensure that 'clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner'.

If inappropriate footwear affects your control of the vehicle and contributes to an incident, you could still be prosecuted for offences such as driving without proper control, careless driving or dangerous driving.

What shoes should you not wear while driving?

• It is advisable to not wear flip flops, sandals or high high shoes when driving. This is because it is not safe for you or other road users and doesn't give you the best chance of reacting quickly to a potential issue on the road.

• You should be wearing shoes and trainers with a sole with grip and ankle support.

PHTM SAYS - IMPORTANT WARNING:

Taxi and private drivers are reminded to check the dress code and licence conditions set by their own Licensing Authority as some require drivers to wear footwear that is securely fastened round the heel when operating a licensed private hire or hackney vehicle

This means footwear such as flip-flops, sliders or backless sandals MAY NOT be permitted.


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