It’s a hot summers day, and you’ve been at the beach. It’s time to go home, but you’ve got no shoes on. Is this a problem? Worry not, this is a surprisingly common question among drivers and there’s a lot of mixed advice roaming around.
Some say it's against the law to drive barefoot, while others argue it’s perfectly fine. So, what is it? The suspense is killing me.
In this blog, we’ll break down whether driving barefoot is illegal in the UK, why it matters, and what the law says. We discuss:
Let’s get straight to the point. No, it’s not illegal to drive barefoot in the UK. There’s no specific law that categorically states that you must wear shoes (or flip-flops, crocs, and sliders) while driving.
That said, there’s a bit of a catch. The Highway Code Rule 97 states that you must ensure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”. So, while driving barefoot isn’t illegal, if it prohibits your ability to drive, you could find yourself in a spot of bother.
For example, if you’ve been involved in a crash and it's found that your lack of footwear contributed to it, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention.
So, technically, you can drive barefoot in the UK. But should you? Well, that depends on how in control you feel.
Driving barefoot seems to have an air of mystery surrounding it. Ask around, and many will probably say it's illegal because it simply doesn’t seem like the done thing.
Maybe their driving instructor told them not to, or they saw it on a TikTok at one time or another.
It’s a bit like those childhood stories of someone or something in your local town. Everyone knew the stories, but nobody had a clue if they were true or not!
It’s also worth considering that there’s overlap with other countries. In some parts of the world, such as certain parts of the U.S. or Australia, there are strict rules regarding what you can wear on your feet when driving.
But don’t let this confuse you. Driving barefoot is NOT illegal.
So, driving barefoot in the UK is not illegal. However, that doesn’t make it a good idea. In fact, driving barefoot comes with plenty of risks.
Let's start with the basics. If you’ve never driven barefoot, it’s probably not a good idea to start. It’s not hard to wear shoes when driving, so if you’re used to this, don’t change. As the old adage goes, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it!
Furthermore, bare feet can slip off the pedals more easily, especially if your feet are wet or sweaty. Unlike proper shoes (or unless you are a professional climber), your bare feet lack grip, which makes pedal control much more difficult.
Also, your feet don’t have the same level of protection as shoes do. This means that using the pedals may become uncomfortable over time and could lead to cramp.
However, it's usually down to personal preference. It's ultimately your choice and whatever you find easiest.
The Highway Code Rule 97 states:
“You should ensure clothing and footwear do not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.”
The word “should” here is important. It’s guidance and not a hard law. However, if you’re involved in an accident and your footwear (or lack of it) influences your ability to control the car, you’ll find yourself in a spot of bother.
The best footwear for driving is pretty subjective. We’d recommend opting for shoes that are comfortable, have good grip, and are a snug fit to ensure the shoe doesn’t move around.
We’d avoid driving in footwear like flip-flops, heavy boots, and high heels. A good tip? Keep a pair of flat-soled shoes in your car, just in case.
“We always recommend drivers wear secure, grippy shoes, especially when driving a lease vehicle. Good habits lead to safer, smoother journeys. ”
So, is it illegal to drive barefoot in the UK? No, but that doesn’t mean you should do it. It’s your responsibility to stay in full control of your vehicle at all times, and if something goes wrong and your footwear is at fault, you’ll be held accountable.
Before setting off, take a second to think: am I in the best position to drive safely?
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has produced a range of deep dives and explainers, such as What is Middle Lane Hogging and Do Minimum Speed Limits Exist in the UK.
