Drivers risk £100 fine for wearing this common item behind the wheel

With soaring temperatures set to strike again in the UK, drivers are being warned of wearing this common summer footwear that could lead to a £100 fine. Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, motorists must ensure their clothing and footwear do not prevent them from using vehicle controls safely.

Wearing shoes that slip off easily or reduce braking force could land you with a £100 fine and three penalty points for "driving without due care and attention", and more if the case ends up in court. Although driving in flip-flops isn't explicitly against the law, driving in a manner deemed unsafe is, and if your footwear compromises your control, police can issue an on-the-spot penalty.

A spokesperson for car repair experts at Bumper said: "Driving in flip-flops or loose summer sandals may feel comfortable, but it can quickly become dangerous.

"These types of footwear offer poor grip and can easily slip off or get caught between the pedals.

"We'd always recommend keeping a pair of secure driving shoes in your car during summer months to avoid fines, points on your licence, or worse, an accident."

Drivers wearing inappropriate footwear may face prosecution for careless driving, with fines reaching up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points for severe offences. Such penalties can also result in higher insurance costs.

With millions across the UK expected to hit the roads for day trips and summer getaways, road safety experts are urging drivers to inspect their footwear before setting off and view driving as a vital part of their journey, not just a means to an end.

Safety specialists advise choosing footwear with a sole no thicker than 10mm, offering reliable grip and secure fastenings like laces or Velcro to reduce the risk of slipping.

Despite growing awareness, many motorists still admit to driving in open-toed or flimsy shoes, often unaware of the safety implications, particularly in manual cars where precise footwork is crucial.

According to the RAC, there's no law strictly forbidding flip-flops while driving, but motorists must maintain full control of their vehicle at all times. Driving barefoot or in unstable footwear could undermine that control and lead to penalties