It’s quite normal to see people driving in thongs or flip-flops, especially during summer. While there are persistent myths, the truth is you will not run into legal trouble just for driving while wearing thongs. Every driver needs to understand the current regulations, state variations, and safety considerations driving thong-clad.
Legal Status of Driving in Thongs
Flip-flops, thongs, and barefoot driving is not prohibited under the Australian Road rules. There are also no federal or state laws requiring any driver to have certain footwear on, and there are no laws requiring the driver to have any footwear on. Nevertheless, the local regulations have an overarching law suggesting the driver must have “proper control” of the vehicle , and if a driver is thonged up to the extent that the thongs caused a loss of control, an accident, or they lose control of the vehicle, they will be penalized for negligence.
State-Specific Interpretations
New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland are all on the same page regarding driving footwear. None have specific legislation that prohibits the use of thongs and going barefoot while driving, but all highlight the importance of safety and effective vehicle control. South Australia and Western Australia share the same principle. In a scenario where a collision occurs and negligent driving occurs, and footwear is considered a reason, that driver may have some liability placed on them for negligent operation.
Safety Risks and Expert Advice
Thongs and flip-flops are considered unsafe to use while driving. Ill-fitting footwear can slip off, get stuck under the pedals, and can delay a driver’s response during an emergency stop. This is why driving instructors, legal experts, and safety advocates in Australia all strongly recommend against driving with thongs or barefoot. Instead, they suggest a securely fitting flat flexible shoe, driving specific footwear, or sneakers, as they provide the best pedal control and grip.
Fines and Possible Consequences
Not wearing proper footwear alone does not constitute an offense, but fines and increased insurance liabilities can be issued when poor footwear leads to loss of control, a violation, or an accident. Fines for negligent driving due to poor footwear can be pretty high, in some cases going over $400, due to scale of negligence and local regulation. Moreover, insurance companies might deny or limit payouts if negligence is found during an accident investigation.
Recommended Practices for Drivers
It is highly recommended to keep a spare, appropriate, closed toe shoe in the car for easy access, though most drivers will wear suitable shoes while driving. Another safe practice is to keep a pair of thongs in the car away from the pedals. The main point is to take precautions for the safety of the driver, other road users, and themselves, even if there are no explicit laws regarding footwear.
| Item | Is it Legal? | Penalty if Unsafe |
|---|---|---|
| Thongs/Flip-Flops | Yes | Yes (if loss of control) |
| Barefoot | Yes | Yes (if loss of control) |
Answer to Some Common Queries
Q1. Is driving in thongs illegal anywhere in Australia?
Not at the moment, but drivers must keep the vehicle under control to avoid fines.
Q2. What is the best footwear for driving?
Flats and closed shoes with flexible soles and secure straps offer the most control and best grip.
Q3: Can insurance refuse claims if thongs cause an accident?
Claims can be denied or payouts reduced if footwear is determined to be negligent and caused or contributed to an accident.
