BIRKENSTOCK wearers have been warned against wearing the trendy footwear while driving to avoid hefty fines.
With an 86% increase in UK searches for the sandals this summer, experts at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts advised drivers that their footwear could land them with fines of up to £5,000.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner”.
Though not illegal to drive in Birkenstocks and other sandals, motorists should err on the side of caution as if an accident occurs, police can issue fines of up to £5,000 if they find your footwear is inappropriate.
Drivers could be issued with nine points on their licence, which can lead to higher insurance prices and further consequences if caught by the police again in the future.
Shoes that are not securely fastened to your feet may also be at risk of slipping, which could cause severe safety problems when reaching for the pedals.
Keith Hawes, director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: “While it is not illegal to drive shoeless or in improper footwear, drivers should hold off on wearing footwear that doesn’t allow them to operate their car properly.
“Anyone who is driving has the responsibility to operate their car and pedals correctly.
“So even with the warm weather, it may seem easy to slip on Birkenstocks and other sandals, however this can have a large impact on your ability to drive and safely operate your car.
“Drivers should consider having an extra pair of shoes in their car, but they should make sure they are not too wide or too thick to avoid pressing two pedals at once.
“Ultimately, an extra pair of shoes will mean drivers can avoid fines and prioritise safety on the roads by ensuring they have the correct footwear for their vehicle.”
