Sunglasses driving rule could land you with £5,000 fine - and many don't know about it

There are 307 regulations in the Highway Code that drivers have to follow when in their vehicles, but we're sure many don't know the book back to front.

Most rules are pretty straightforward, but there's one that might trip you up - especially during the current heatwave.

Rule 97 of the Highway Code is all to do with preparing to set off for a drive in your car and there are a number of points to it.

One of them involves the clothing you wear to drive in - and being dressed in certain everyday items like flip flops and sunglasses could land you with an eye-watering fine, anywhere from £100 to £,5000 and penalty points on your licence.

You could get a fine because of your outfit (stock photo) (Getty Images)

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While not against the law, rule 97 states that you should ensure that you wear "clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner".

Items that could prevent you from using the controls correctly include baggy jeans, long dresses, as well as sunglasses with lenses that are too dark and chunky frames as they could restrict your vision.

And as previously reported by MyLondon, if you are in an accident and the police see you wearing flip flops, sandals, high heels or chunky boots or if you are driving barefoot, you are liable for a "driving without due care and attention" charge.

This carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.

If it goes to court that rises to a maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine, nine penalty points and potentially a driving ban.

According to the Driving Standards Agency, "suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on."

Selim Cavanagh, from insurance firm ingenie, told The Mirror : “[Flip flops] slip off, slide under the pedals, get caught between your feet and the pedals and if your feet are wet, they’ll affect your ability to brake if you need to.

"Driving in flip flops can create a dangerous driving environment, and put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk."

Those who do go out wearing unsuitable shoes are advised to keep a pair of driving shoes in the car.

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