With temperatures soaring and the sun shining brightly, many people will be opting for flip-flops or sandals right now. 

But what about those tempted to pop to the shops or doing the school run in the car while wearing flip-flops? 

The Driving Standards Agency – which is behind the UK driving test – states “suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel". 

But does this mean you will be punished if you are spotted getting out of your vehicle in a pair of flip-flops? 

Is it illegal to drive in flip-flops?

In the UK, it is not illegal to drive in flip-flops. 

However, the RAC website highlights that those wearing flip-flops behind the wheel must be able to operate the controls safely - ie. the brake and accelerator. 

While this may not be a crime, wearing unsuitable shoes does breach Rule 97 of the Highway Code.

Wearing flip-flops could indeed be classed as driving 'without due care and attention'.

RAC guidance on driving in flip-flops

The RAC has issued some advice on what suitable shoes are for driving safely in the UK.

This guidance includes providing enough grip to ensure your foot does not slip off the pedal. 

The sole of the footwear should not be too thin or soft, and it should not restrict ankle movement. 

What about driving barefoot?

Again, it is not technically illegal to drive barefoot in the UK.

However, the RAC has warned that getting behind the wheel with wet feet for example could pose a safety issue if it is likely to cause the foot to slip.

This Is Wiltshire: The RAC has issued guidance on driving barefoot

The RAC has advised against driving barefoot or in flip-flops due to the increased safety risk. 

Crashing while wearing flip-flops

The Highway Code states driving without due care and attention can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.

This means that if you have an accident while barefoot or with flip-flops, it may land you in bother.

Highway Code rule 97 states: “Footwear cannot prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”

If you're involved in an accident on the road and the police see that you have flip-flops on, or no shoes at all, you may be found to be "driving without due care and attention".

If this then ends up in court, the maximum penalty could rise to as much as a £5,000 fine as well as nine penalty points and a potential driving ban.

Julie Daniels, car insurance expert at Compare the Market said: “Staying up to date with the latest version of the Highway Code is the easiest way to avoid fines and penalties while driving.

“Even having just a few penalty points on your licence could cause issues for you, as they stay on record for at least four years and make it more difficult to get good car insurance deals.

“In fact, our data shows that having between three to five points on your licence could increase your insurance premium by up to four per cent on average, while having six to eight points could increase premiums costs by up to 62 per cent on average."