There is a common misconception in Australia that it is illegal to drive while you are wearing flip flops or flip flops as some people call it.
- You can wear shorts and drive in Australia
- It’s not illegal, but they’re not the smartest shoes for driving
- You might actually be better off going barefoot
Measure is not true. It’s perfectly legal for you to wear three plugs while driving – but it’s not necessarily the smartest thing you can do on the road.
Slit pants can be dangerous to drive in. Your feet aren’t snug, you’re less likely to grip the pedals, and because of their elastic nature, you may find the straps of your shorts can get caught where they shouldn’t.
The Australian Road Rules book – not a legally binding footnote to vehicle laws, but a guide by which many jurisdictions make their laws – has a specific section on “driving”. vehicle without properly operating the vehicle” [Rule 297].
If you were involved in an accident and it was found that wearing shorts while driving had some impact on the incident, it is conceivable that you were not in control properly. Furthermore, it is understandable that you are driving negligently with other road users, and the fines and penalties for such behavior are not small.
There are mixed opinions as to whether it is safer to drive barefoot or to wear flip-flops, but the basic consideration here is that drivers should wear any appropriate footwear and type of footwear. Sandals give them the best control of the vehicle while driving.
Just make sure that if you decide to take your pants off while behind the wheel, they’re not in the footrest near the pedals or right near your feet. Lanyards have been known to slip under the brake pedal and limit the driver’s controllability to brake which is dangerous in some cases.
The best option for anyone driving a car is to wear footwear that will not interfere with your ability to control the vehicle or limit your driving in any way. In that case, it’s best not to wear flip-flops, high heels, or any other type of footwear that could be considered dangerous while driving.
Not intended as legal advice. Check with the relevant road authority in your state or territory.
