Drivers risk £5,000 fine and nine points for common footwear mistake

A motoring expert has debunked a surprisingly widespread rumour, warning that it could result in Brits who wear a certain type of footwear behind the wheel being fined up to £5,000 due to the risk of serious accidents. With many parts of the country currently experiencing a spell of warm weather, drivers are typically choosing lighter clothes when heading out, particularly when getting into the hot interior of a parked car.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of the insurance comparison service Tiger.co.uk, noted that the clothing and footwear that drivers are able to legally wear is a regular debate among UK motorists, highlighting that many answers can be found in the Highway Code. He explained: "There are lots of motoring myths that have been around for years and persist to this day, making it a challenge to know which of them hold any truth. We have looked into some of the most well-known tales to provide drivers with the answers they need to avoid a fine. Motorists should remember that while the Highway Code is not considered a legal document, much of it is underpinned by UK legislation, meaning it is a criminal offence to break certain rules."

During periods of pleasant weather, one of the most commonly heard motoring myths is that it is illegal for drivers to get behind the wheel wearing flip-flops, slippers, or no shoes at all.

According to Tiger.co.uk, there are currently no laws which state that certain types of footwear are banned. However, the Highway Code states that 'footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner' should be avoided.

As a result, while police officers are unlikely to stop a driver due to their choice of footwear, wearing flip-flops could result in a loss of control, vastly increasing the risk of an accident. If the accident puts another road user in danger, a fine of up to £5,000 in nine penalty points could result.

Another misconception commonly discussed among UK drivers is whether it is illegal to let a dog hang its head out of the window of a moving car.

Whilst this is something many dogs love to do, Tiger.co.uk highlighted that dogs must be 'suitably restrained' at all times, using a dog carrier, seatbelt harness, or dog guard.

This can help to prevent the dog from distracting the driver, particularly if it decides to make a sudden or unexpected movement. Once again, drivers also risk a £5,000 fine and nine points if they are spotted behind the wheel of a vehicle with an unsecured dog.

Finally, with hot and dry weather typically causing roads to turn dustier, some drivers believe that they can be stopped and fined for travelling in a vehicle that is too dirty.

Whilst Tiger.co.uk highlighted that there are no specific laws stating that the whole vehicle must be cleaned regularly, the company stated that specific parts should not be too dirty.

This includes the two number plates on the vehicle, which must be legible to surrounding road users, police officers, and ANPR cameras, and the windows, in order to ensure good visibility.