Driving a car with slippers on: is it allowed?

As soon as the temperatures rise, slippers come out of the closet again. In summer, we in the Netherlands prefer to walk around en masse in our slippers. Not only is it nice and cool, you can easily slip them on when you want to leave the house. Many people get behind the wheel wearing slippers. Yet this is quite dangerous. Flip-flops have less grip on the pedals than shoes with a sturdy sole. Moreover, slippers can get stuck behind the pedals more easily. But are you in violation if you do get into the car with flip-flops on?

Driving a car with flip-flops is not prohibited by law

In the Netherlands, the law does not prohibit driving a car with flip-flops on. However, the law does state the following:

"It is forbidden for anyone to behave in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause a hazard on the road, or to obstruct or be likely to obstruct traffic on the road".

On this basis, no fine will be issued if you drive with flip-flops on. So legally it is allowed, but you can be held liable if damage is caused by your "dangerous" actions in traffic.

Many authorities advise against driving with flip-flops on

So while it is not illegal, driving with flip-flops on is considered unsafe and unwise. Research from the University of Leeds has shown that on average you lose one-tenth of a second when going from the gas to the brake pedal with flip-flops. In addition, you have three percent less braking power when pushing the brake pedal. These two factors make your braking distance 7.5 meters longer at a speed of 90 kilometers per hour.

Driving a car with flip-flops abroad

Are you going on vacation abroad? If so, different rules may apply regarding driving with flip-flops on. In France and Spain, for example, you risk a hefty fine if you get behind the wheel in flip-flops. So avoid problems and always take a pair of good shoes with you when you go on car vacation.

Driving a car with bare feet

Taking off your flip-flops and riding barefoot seems to be the solution for many people. However, barefoot also gives you less grip on the pedals. Moreover, you can't apply as much force when braking as when wearing shoes. If you are involved in an accident, your feet are also better protected with shoes on.

Although driving with flip-flops is not forbidden in the Netherlands, you do make sense to put on shoes. If you regularly wear slippers in the summer, you can always keep a pair of shoes in your car. That way you can easily change them. And when you arrive at your destination? Then just put your slippers back on.