Drivers risk £5,000 fine for driving in the wrong shoes this Christmas – here’s how to avoid it

DRIVERS have been warned they could be hit with a £5,000 fine this winter if they’re caught driving in the wrong shoes.

With Christmas fast approaching the urge to slip into a pair of toasty slippers or keep on your thick wellies after that snowy walk as you jump into the driving seat is very tempting for us all.

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But this simple thing could land you in deep trouble and cause some major damage to your car or others.

In a poll of over 2,000 people, Aviva revealed that seven per cent of people wear the wrong footwear to drive in.

Incorrect footwear includes flip flops, wellies, thick boots, sliders, slippers, high heels and even bare feet isn’t deemed as appropriate.

Driving whilst wearing the inappropriate clothing and footwear can risk a fine under Rule 97 of the Highway Code which says you should ensure: “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”

If a motorist causes an accident and is found to be wearing the wrong shoes they could face a fine of up to £5,000.

However driving barefoot or in the wrong footwear isn’t technically illegal as the fine can only come into play if you aren’t seen as driving your motor safely.

The Aviva poll also found that 19 per cent of drivers have driven with snow still on the top of their car and 16 per cent have started their journey without being able to see completely through their windscreen.

Driving fines could easily catch you out this winter as many of us have no clue we could get in trouble for doing certain simple things.

We all have our favourite Christmas songs from The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl to Maria Carey and Wizard.

However loud music can be deemed to be a violation of Highway Code rule 148.

The penalty for this is an unlimited fine, discretionary disqualification and three to nine penalty points.

Drivers were also shocked after discovering they could get a £1,000 fine for using common ‘thank you’ gestures.

Rule 160 of the Highway Code says: “Drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible.

“This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times.”