Barefoot driving

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Is it illegal to drive bare foot?? After kiteboarding I often throw a waterproof cover over the front seat of the mondeo and drive home in my wetsuit - at this time of year it is much nicer to get changed at home in a hot shower.

I have recently stopped wearing wetsuit 'booties' hence drving home barefoot. Are there any problem with this??

[Mrs Fish]

I've driven the Tiv barefooted before now....

[mcflurry]

You can't be caught on a scamera. So you're probably safe

[ohopkins]

Depends how safe your car is.

If you own a model with pedals that are vulnerable to coming up, or the floor area is prone to collapsing or intruding, you could end up with your foot being cut in half by the metal brake lever.

I personally wouldn't in most cars.

[egoboss]

jesusbuiltmycar said:

Is it illegal to drive bare foot?? After kiteboarding I often throw a waterproof cover over the front seat of the mondeo and drive home in my wetsuit - at this time of year it is much nicer to get changed at home in a hot shower. I have recently stopped wearing wetsuit 'booties' hence drving home barefoot. Are there any problem with this??

sandie shaw will know ...

[zcacogp]

I was once informed by an off-duty BiB that there are two illegal forms of footwear for driving in the UK. They are wellington boots and bare feet.

(The guy in question told me this as we watched a farmer taking his wellies off to drive home in his bare feet.)


Oli.

[leosayer]

zcacogp said:

I was once informed by an off-duty BiB that there are two illegal forms of footwear for driving in the UK. They are wellington boots and bare feet. (The guy in question told me this as we watched a farmer taking his wellies off to drive home in his bare feet.) Oli.

What a classic! So diving fins are OK then? And clogs? And football boots?

[egoboss]

leosayer said:

zcacogp said: I was once informed by an off-duty BiB that there are two illegal forms of footwear for driving in the UK. They are wellington boots and bare feet. (The guy in question told me this as we watched a farmer taking his wellies off to drive home in his bare feet.) Oli. What a classic! So diving fins are OK then? And clogs? And football boots?

those stilletos as adorned by "bab" of "bab's cabs" in the league of gentlemen looked none too safe either.

[birdbrain]

I have often driven barefoot. Can't see why it would be illegal?

Any BiB on here care to explain?

[jacko lah]

ohopkins said:

Depends how safe your car is. If you own a model with pedals that are vulnerable to coming up, or the floor area is prone to collapsing or intruding, you could end up with your foot being cut in half by the metal brake lever. I personally wouldn't in most cars.

But that arguement sandles, light summer pumps and flip flops would be bad ? I find it difficult to drive in walking boots as I using the brake presses clutch and accelerator as well.

[jwo]

snow shoes are a nightmare...

[Dougie.]

Have you asked Jesus his opinion? You should've taken the optional extra Jesus-sandals.

Seriously, why on earth would it be illegal to drive in Wellies? Waders might be a bit difficult mind.

[gingerprince]

I'd heard it was illegal but don't have a firm answer.

My guess would be that if driving barefoot, you may be less likely to stamp so hard on the brakes in an emergency stop (metal pedal harder than skin etc) rather than with shoes where there's protection.

Purely a guess though.

[egoboss]

los angeles said:

I do it in my MX5. I learned that tactile delight from my female friends in California, and in that heat most of the rest of them is bare too.

by contrast, with the british weather as it is, i usually take a shower in my boots.

[autismuk]

I don't know if you have the grip. I once was driving on the M6 in a pair of very old shoes which disintegrated under me literally and I didn't feel as secure on the pedals (this was socks mind).

[julianhj]

I have done, and it's not very comfortable. Shoes at least spread the pressure and offer some cushioning. I was also under the impression it's illegal to drive barefoot.

[hiasakite]

jesusbuiltmycar said:

Is it illegal to drive bare foot?? After kiteboarding I often throw a waterproof cover over the front seat of the mondeo and drive home in my wetsuit - at this time of year it is much nicer to get changed at home in a hot shower. I have recently stopped wearing wetsuit 'booties' hence drving home barefoot. Are there any problem with this??

Mate, I also kiteboard (hence the username).. and wouldn't want a wet, salty wetsuit anywhere near my seats....
..so long as you can handle changing in oublic with judicious use of a towel in the right place I'd get changed and then drive back with the suit in a bag..

Unless the car was just a runaround mule of course..

Do you have any wetsuit boots?.. I'm guessing thats not illegal...

[streaky]

jwo said:

snow shoes are a nightmare...

As the BiB said when deciding to stop the barefoot driver: "He's no shoes on!" [You might have to vocalise that .]

I'll get my coat.

Streaky

[DeMolay]

I ALWAYS drive long distances in bare feet (well, socks).

Where in legislation does it say it's illegal?

[xxplod]

I can state, with near certainty that driving barefoot is NOT illegal. I have never comes accross any caselaw on it either. If for whatever reason it could be shown that driving barefoot meant the vehicle could not be properly controlled then there could be an offence there; Not in proper control of vehicle springs to mind.