Motorists have been warned wearing certain types of shoes when behind the wheel could land them a £1,000 fine.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states you must have footwear that “does not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner” in order to drive.
This means driving in heavy boots could land you a whopping fine if you were involved in a crash and police found you weren’t in proper control of the vehicle.
If your footwear restricts your movement and you are found to be driving dangerously or involved in an accident as a result, you could be charged and face a £1,000 fine, as well as three points added to your licence.
A statement on Road Angel reads: « Although at first glance they would seem fine, any Dr. Martens boot fans or construction workers with chunky-soled boots should reconsider driving in them. Dr. Martens may look great in a photoshoot but aren’t so handy for a short drive. »
Adding to this, Alastair Grier, Managing Director of CarMoney, said: « Footwear when driving should be narrow enough that it cannot accidentally touch two pedals at once. »
Not only this, but Mr Grier says high heels can cause issues behind the wheel, adding: « If you are planning on driving somewhere where the dress code is smart, we recommend you take a change of sensible shoes for the car ride. »
Taking to Reddit, one driver said: « Am I the only person who has consistent trouble driving my manual car when I wear boots?
« I only wear them when I feel I need to, and usually in very cold weather, snow, or heavy rain. It throws off the entire feel of the clutch. It feels like driving a completely different car.
« Also, when I move my seat, and driving put it back even one tooth closer or further, it’s like I’ve never even driven a manual car. It changes everything! »
Commenting on their post, one user said: « Boots are basically the opposite of driving shoes, so it kind of sucks to drive with them. If you feel that it’s dangerous, keep a pair of clutch-friendly shoes in your car. »
Another user added: « I get the same thing. My preferred seating position is set with the assumption that I’m wearing canvas sneakers and at most a medium jacket, not a heavy coat and boots with overshoes.
« It’s at that point that I do wish I had a power-adjustable seat and pedals. »
A third user said: « I ended up wearing my sneakers to airsoft and putting my boots on when I got there because it felt so weird.
« I avoid moving the seat because it’s like I sat in a different car when it isn’t in the right spot. »
