Motorists are at risk of being hit with a massive £5,000 fine for making a simple mistake in a heatwave next week. By Luke Chillingsworth, Cars Reporter PUBLISHED: 10:00, Sat, Jun 20, 2026
Motorists could be slapped with a hefty fine for driving in a heatwave. Drivers are at risk of being slapped with a £5,000 fine if they get behind the wheel on Monday, with a heatwave set to cook the UK. Temperatures are expected to reach 35C on Monday and Tuesday, with the Met Office already issuing an amber extreme heat warning for parts of England and South Wales.
Those feeling the heat are likely to slip on flip-flops to keep cool, but experts have warned that this could massively backfire if getting behind the wheel. There is no legal rule that stops motorists wearing flip-flops behind the wheel, but experts stress that it is ill-advised.
Driving with flip-flops can seriously backfire. Flip-flops could cause an issue if they prevent road users from maintaining proper control of the vehicle. Loose shoes can also slip off unexpectedly and may even become caught underneath the pedal. This can immediately reduce the amount of pressure that drivers are able to apply when braking, creating a safety risk.
Any of this could see motorists being charged with careless driving, carrying a hefty fine of up to £5,000 as well as penalty points on their driving licence.
Darren Miller, spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar.com said: "Flip-flops are one of the worst types of footwear drivers can wear because they are not secure on your feet. They can easily slide around while driving, especially during sudden braking or quick manoeuvres."
"A driver might think wearing flip-flops is harmless, but if they contribute to an accident or affect control of the car, it could become a very expensive mistake. Even something as simple as a shoe getting stuck under a pedal can create a dangerous situation within seconds."
Driving barefoot is also not formally against the law, but it is still not advised due to safety concerns. Instead, road users have been urged to wear normal and comfortable shoes regardless of how hot it gets.
Darren added: "If you are driving any distance this summer, it is always safer to wear flat, secure shoes with proper grip. It is a small change that could help drivers avoid fines, penalty points and potentially serious accidents."
