Driving advice
Can you get fined for driving in the wrong shoes?
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Ryan Barham
Last updated: 24/11/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 24/11/2025
Following the Mirror’s story about driving footwear, we thought we’d share some more information about the Highway Code’s Rule 97: ‘You should ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.’
Although this rule does not explicitly specify footwear that is prohibited while driving, Auto Express has broken it down into simple terms: 'it’s any footwear that won’t allow you correct operation of, and full control of, the pedals.'
The Mirror’s article includes the following advice from Tempcover’s temporary car insurance expert Claire Wills-McKissick: ‘Many of us don’t think twice about what we’re wearing when we get in the car, but it can cause unsafe, careless driving. Even if it’s just a short drive, make sure that you think carefully about what you wear. If you suspect your footwear is unsafe, consider alternatives.’
But what are these dangers and what are the alternatives? We’ll discuss more in this article.
While no specific footwear is actually banned, the Highway Code’s rule can be open to interpretation. Any shoes without proper grip or that could be deemed as inappropriate could potentially lead to a ‘driving without due care and attention’ charge.
The potential penalties for this include:
The wrong kind of footwear can lead to a lack of control of the vehicle, which can be dangerous for both you as the driver and other road users. You may also struggle to brake properly if you cannot feel the force of your feet on the pedals.
It’s not the best idea to channel your inner Fred Flintstone and drive barefoot. This is because bare feet will generally not have enough power or traction to push down on the brakes and control a clutch or pedals.
If the police stop you and deem you’re not in total control of the vehicle while driving barefoot, you could be charged for driving without due care and attention. The same applies if you’re driving in just socks.
Your lack of footwear could also be deemed a contributing factor if you were to have an accident. This could affect any insurance claim.
It’s always worth keeping a spare pair of shoes for driving in your car, so you can easily change if you have any concerns over what you’re wearing.
It’s important to feel comfortable while driving, and this applies to your footwear, too. As mentioned on Evans Halshaw’s Driving Footwear Guide, the DVSA recommends your driving shoes:
Good driving shoes have a solid grip, non-slip sole and are fairly lightweight, sticking tightly to your feet and allowing a better feel for the pedals. They have solid support around your heel and the arch, enabling you to feel the tactile connection between your feet and the pedals while moving.
After heading out and about, you should always check your shoes before getting back in the car. If there has been wet weather, try and dry them off and remove any mud or leaves as wet soles can easily slip on a pedal.
Thin-soled footwear like classic driving shoes, loafers, boat shoes and many trainers are solid choices. If you’re driving in trainers, try to avoid styles with thick, padded, or restrictive soles as these can severely reduce your feel for the pedals.
For your - and other’s - safety, it’s important you wear the right kind of footwear while driving as this can help keep you fully in control and safe while on the road.
https://www.tempcover.com/news-room/the-festive-footwear-trap
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-driving-expert-wearing-one-36258243
https://www.webuyanycar.com/guides/car-ownership/driving-footwear/
https://pass2success.co.uk/how-footwear-choices-impact-safe-driving/
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tips-advice/365326/how-choose-best-shoes-or-trainers-driving
https://www.evanshalshaw.com/blog/driving-footwear-guide/
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/which-kind-of-driving-shoes-should-i-wear
