Clothing that could fine you £5,000 and points if caught driving

Motorists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Rule 97 of the Highway Code as failure to comply could result in a £5,000 fine and penalty points

There are 307 rules in the Highway Code that drivers must follow, but we’re sure many don’t know the book cover to cover.

Most of the rules are pretty simple, but there’s one that might trip you up.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code has everything to do with preparing to drive your car and there are a number of points.

One of these concerns the clothes you wear when you drive in – and wearing certain everyday items could land you a staggering fine of between £100 and £5000 and penalize points on your driving licence.

Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here.

While not against the law, Rule 97 states that you should ensure that you “do not have clothing or footwear that prevents you from using the controls in the correct manner.”

Items that could prevent you from using the controls properly include baggy jeans, long dresses, and sunglasses with lenses that are too dark and bulky frames, as they could limit your vision.

And as previously reported by MyLondon, if you’re involved in an accident and the police see you in flip flops, sandals, high heels or chunky boots, or driving barefoot, you must face a “driving without due care and attention” charge. raise .

This carries a fine of £100 on the spot and three penalty points on your driving licence.

If it goes to court, the maximum penalty increases to a fine of £5,000, nine penalty points and a possible driving ban.

According to the Driving Standards Agency, “Appropriate footwear is especially important behind the wheel. We wouldn’t recommend riding barefoot, as you don’t have the same braking power barefoot as with shoes.”

Selim Cavanagh of insurance company ingenie told The Mirror: “[Flip flops] slipping, slipping under the pedals, getting pinched between your feet and the pedals and if your feet are wet they will affect your ability to brake when you have to.

“Driving in flip flops can create a dangerous driving environment and endanger you, your passengers and other road users.”

Those going out with inappropriate shoes are advised to have a pair of driving shoes in the car.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk