Is it illegal in the UK to drive without shoes on?

steplow33

There is no traffic law to say that driving without shoes is an
offense. The important thing in driving is that you must, at all
times, be in full control of the steering wheel, the shifting of
gears, the switching on/off lights and wipers, the pressing of
clutch, brakes and accelerator in time etc. Some people, I
know of, drive their vehicles bare-footed when they press the accelerator, clutch and brakes. They could feel better on the
grip, thus they drive with more confidence.

Hibee

Without brake shoes, yes.

Earwigo

Only if you've got offensive feet.

Avalon

no buts it bloody painful

missree

interesting question I'm not sure but i have done it on a few occasions because i don't like driving in heels

Mrs Chicagosgirl!!

bare foot driving is illegal

saz

It is illegal to be unable to perform an emergency stop. It is likely to be painful to slam your foot on the brakes and you are unlikely to brake as hard as you would wearing sensible footwear and so it could be argued that it is illegal and you're probably not covered by your insurance but should ask them.

robert b

Yes it is against the law to drive with in appropriate foot wear, if you are involved in an accident you could be charged with driving without due care and attention

mistickle17

I think it might be an unwritten law. If you drive with no shoes on you are in danger of breaking bones in your feet, eg. if you had to brake suddenly or if you caught your toes on the pedals.

ms sensible

yes but it feels good dont it

bumbleboi

It works better if you have socks on.

Emma

Um...it probably is illegal, knowing what the laws are like in the UK, but your right, it probably would be safer than flip flops!

drks.neuro

no but its easier with shoes

same as above

Not sure, but I am positive it's illegal to drive naked!

dot&carryone.

It is illegal not to be in proper control of your vehicle.

c.j.davies

No idea but as long as you are in full control of the pedals

Rick

This would be covered by "driving without due care and attention" or "dangerous driving" according to how it made you behave. If you are driving perfectly safely and with care it's unlikely the police would care and they certainly wouldn't try to arrest you.

Remember the discretion is with the police. They have done people for eating while driving (distracting) and putting on make up at 2mph.

I often drive with no shoes on. Why not?

joleen19842006

no it is not illegal but you should think of safety

Ryders1960

It is not illegal to drive bare footed providing you have proper control of the car

SUPER-GLITCH

I used to know a chiropodist that walked and drove everywhere he could in bare feet, he would only wear shoes on wet days or while at work, and then these were scholl sandals, he had wonderful feet, and walked for miles on his days off, in bare feet of course. Obviously good for the feet, but really am not sure if its illegal OR legal???

Jon H

Your actions whilst driving must comply with the road traffic act.
If you follow the guidelines in the 'highway code' then you are considered to be doing an action that complies with the act............. but it is NOT the only method that you are permitted to use. However, any driving operation that you do outside of the highway code must still comply with the act. If you are able to prove that driving without shoes still enables you to maintain proper control of your vehicle then you would be covered. Might be more than a couple of minutes in a courtroom to fight your case though, dunno.

A police officer is generally no further advanced than any other ordinary person in interpretation of the law beside the roadside. His opinion is largely irrelevant and a badge on his shoulder does not make him the font of all knowledge. (quite a few are thick )

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