Highway Code rules on driving in sandals, flip flops, or bare foot that could get you fined £5,000

The latest advice from the Highway Code about summer driving habits could potentially save UK drivers from a crippling £5,000 fine this weekend as temperatures soar above 20C. Drivers are being warned not to drive in flip flops, sandals or even barefoot as this breaches Rule 97 of the Highway Code regarding adequate footwear and clothing.

Whilst there is no specific law on driving barefoot or in unsuitable footwear such as flip-flops, you can still be penalised if it is deemed to interfere with your ability to control the vehicle properly. This can fall under "driving without due care and attention", which carries a sizeable punishment of a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.

If taken to court, however, the penalty may rise to a heftier price of £5,000 in fines, nine penalty points and potentially even a driving ban.

Read more: NI weather forecast for the weekend ahead with a high of 22C

Insurance firm ingenie's Selim Cavanagh voiced his concerns over the danger of such footwear when driving: "[Flip flops] slip off, slide under the pedals, get caught between your feet and the pedals and if your feet are wet, they'll affect your ability to brake if you need to. Driving in flip flops can create a dangerous driving environment, and put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk."

The RAC has put together a list of appropriate and inappropriate footwear for driving - sandals, flip flops and bare feet didn't make the cut. Large walking boots and high heels are also likely to be considered unsafe, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The RAC suggests that your shoes should:.

• Have a sole no thicker than 10mm.

• 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.

The RAC stated: "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."

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