Beware of a common summer driving habit that could land you with a €35 fine in France

Driving barefoot or wearing flip-flops when returning from the beach could result in a fine in France. This also applies to thick platform shoes.

With temperatures rising and France experiencing its second intense heatwave, many people are heading to the beach to cool off. However, remember to bring a suitable pair of shoes for the drive home rather than relying on beach footwear or driving barefoot.

Although there is no law that explicitly bans driving in flip-flops, Article R412-6 of the French Highway Code states:

“Every driver must at all times be in a fit state and position to carry out all the manoeuvres required of them easily and without delay.”

This provision is what police officers may rely on if they stop a driver and consider their footwear to be a safety risk.

Why certain footwear is considered dangerous

Driving in flip-flops can be hazardous because the footwear may become caught under a pedal. In an emergency situation, this could delay a driver's reaction and increase the risk of an accident.

Loose-fitting footwear may also make it more difficult to move quickly and precisely between pedals. Thick-soled platform shoes can be problematic as they reduce the driver's feel for the pedals. This can lead to mistakes, such as pressing the accelerator instead of the brake or failing to apply sufficient braking force.

There is also the risk of a flip-flop slipping off altogether, creating either a distraction or an obstacle between the driver's foot and the pedal.

Driving barefoot is not necessarily safer, particularly if sand or water on the feet affects grip or pedal control.

Will you always be fined for driving in flip-flops?

Not necessarily. As the law does not specifically prohibit flip-flops or driving barefoot, enforcement is largely left to the discretion of police officers, who will assess the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

For example, sandals with a secure strap around the heel are generally considered less risky than loose-fitting flip-flops.

If an officer decides that a driver's footwear compromises their ability to control the vehicle, a fixed fine of €35 may be issued. This can be reduced to €22 if paid promptly, but may increase to €75 in the event of late payment.

Drivers should also bear in mind that if an accident occurs while they are barefoot or wearing unsuitable footwear, investigators may consider whether their choice of footwear contributed to the incident. 

For example, a shoe becoming trapped under a pedal or impairing braking performance could be taken into account when determining liability. In such cases, a driver may be found at fault on the grounds that they failed to maintain proper control of the vehicle.