Drivers wearing 'three items of clothing' could be fined £5,000 from Sunday

Many drivers are unaware of wearing gloves, coats OR scarves could lead to hefty fines and points on your licence. With icy roads and cold temperatures setting in from Sunday, it's important to remember that wearing the wrong footwear or clothing while driving could impact your ability to safely control your vehicle, resulting in tough penalisation from the DVLA.

Liam Barnes, Manager at TopReg , warned: “Winter is a challenging time of the year to be hitting the roads, and this is made even worse if there’s a sudden cold snap like the one we’re expecting this week. During this time, if drivers aren’t careful, it’s easy to make costly mistakes resulting in huge fines and even penalty points on licences.”

He said: "Leaving your winter jacket on while driving is a common mistake during colder months, as chilly mornings and slow-to-warm cars make it tempting to stay bundled up. However, this small action can distract you from the road, potentially resulting in a £100 fine and points on your licence for careless driving if stopped by police.Removing bulky coats, gloves, and scarves before setting off is crucial. While it may feel cold initially, these items can obstruct movement, reduce grip, or impair visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.

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Rule 97 of the Highway Code clearly states that clothing and footwear must not prevent you from using the controls properly. Ignoring this rule can result in fines of up to £5,000, three penalty points, or worse — an accident. Additionally, the Road Traffic Act warns that anything obstructing a driver’s vision can be deemed hazardous, leading to penalties ranging from a £100 fine to £1,000 and three points on your licence if taken to court. Prioritising safe and unrestricted driving attire is key to staying safe and avoiding costly penalties."

“As colder weather sets in and we face cold snaps like this week’s “double Arctic blast,” it’s tempting to prioritise comfort when we’re driving — whether that’s keeping on your slippers or sticking with thick wellies after a frosty family walk," he added. “However, it’s crucial to remember that certain footwear — including flip flops, wellies, thick boots, sliders, slippers, high heels, or even driving barefoot — is unsuitable for driving. Wearing inappropriate shoes can impair your ability to control the vehicle properly, posing a serious safety risk.

“According to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers must ensure their clothing and footwear allow them to use the controls correctly. Failing to do so could lead to fines of up to £5,000. For safe driving, opt for shoes with thin soles, good grip, and flexibility — such as trainers, loafers, or boat shoes. These provide better pedal control, enhance safety, and improve comfort. Avoid footwear that’s too heavy, bulky, or restrictive, as it could hinder your ability to drive safely.”