Is it Legal to Drive Barefoot?

Last updated on February 26th, 2021What does this mean?

Answer

No law explicitly forbids driving without shoes, but doing so could indirectly fall under the 1988 Road Traffic Act, as ‘driving without due care and attention’ is a minor offence, and therefore is unsafe and illegal. If stopped, the police have the right to suggest that this impeded your ability to drive safely.

Driving barefoot is, perhaps, unnatural to most people, and may even be unnerving to passengers. As a consequence, there is often debate as to whether driving barefoot is actually legal, which begs the question, is it legal to drive barefoot? And why?

The Law

Currently, there is no law that explicitly forbids driving without shoes. However, doing so may indirectly fall under the 1988 Road Traffic Act, which states that driving without due care and attention is a minor offence. From August 2013, police have been able to issue fixed penalty notices for behaviour on a road or other public place that they perceive to be careless.

There is no definitive list as to what constitutes careless or inconsiderate driving, but any deviation from the Highway Code can be taken as a rough guideline. This includes things such as eating/drinking at the wheel, using wrong lanes, inappropriate speeds or not wearing a seatbelt. If such actions were observed, police may use their discretion to determine whether your actions constitute careless or inconsiderate driving.

The Consequences

If, after being stopped, you were found to be driving barefoot, the police have the right to suggest that this impeded your ability to drive safely, and the possibility remains that it could increase the severity of the offence. If pleading guilty, any minor driving offence will lead to a £100 fine and points on your licence, or a fine and an offer of educational training (such as a speed awareness course). Pleading not guilty can lead to a summons at a Magistrates court. Or, a less severe offence could lead to a warning issued with no further action.

The legality of driving barefoot now aside, the question remains – should you?

Physically, driving barefoot is surprisingly demanding. Depressing the clutch, for example, requires excessive pressure in a relatively small pedal area, straining the ball of the foot and increasing the risk of muscle cramp. A well-chosen pair of driving shoes, or any for that matter, can distribute that weight, reducing the strain and discomfort of gear changes.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which regulates the UK driving test, has previously recommended wearing suitable shoes for driving, particularly on long journeys. The Highway Code states that motorists should ensure that ‘clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner’. And, although not specifically forbidden in the Highway Code, the DVSA has previously suggested that driving barefoot is ill advised because it reduces your potential braking force in an emergency.

So, what exactly constitutes suitable footwear for driving?

• Firstly, shoes should not restrict foot movement in any way. For that reason, ankle and high-rise boots may be a bad choice because of their limiting ankle movement. Next, the sole of a shoe should not be too thick (no more than 10mm) as to reduce tactile feedback from pedals, but also not too thin or soft that they encourage sharp, sudden movements. A good grip is also essential to avoid slipping off pedals.

• The size and weight of the shoe is important. Heavy shoes should be avoided as they may increase resting weight on the pedals, as well as wide shoes that may result in accidentally stepping on two pedals at once.

• Shoes should be comfortable. Driving, especially long distances or in traffic, can be particularly stressful, and making sure you are as physically comfortable as possible can significantly change that.

Of course, many drivers do decide to drive barefoot or in inappropriate footwear, regardless of the risk. For some, this may never cause a problem, but for others it could mean the difference in reaction time that leads to an accident. The best advice will always be to choose footwear that increases your competence and safety as a driver, giving you and other road users peace of mind that any risk is being kept to a minimum.

Here at The Windscreen Company we would always recommend choosing footwear that increases your competence and safety as a driver, giving you and other road users peace of mind that any risk is being kept to a minimum.

We specialise in the providing affordable and reliable windscreen repairs and replacements to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers as well as other road users. To find out more, or get a free quote, contact us today or simply give us a call on 0800 998 1068.

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

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