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Driving myth refuses to die as millions still get it wrong

Gian T
By Gian T
  • Replies 6
Offtopic / Everything else

Driving myth refuses to die as millions still get it wrong

1756441657481.png Driving myth refuses to die as millions still get it wrong
NSW Road Safety used Facebook this week to debunk a common driving myth. Credit: Facebook

You'd think after decades of official clarifications, this particular driving myth would be as dead as a dodo. Yet almost 60 per cent of Australians said they thought it wasn't illegal, while 40 per cent said they thought it was illegal when Victoria Police recently polled drivers about barefoot driving.



That's right—nearly half the country still believes something that's never actually been true.



NSW Road Safety's recent Facebook post debunking the thongs-and-bare-feet myth has stirred up more than just social media comments.



It's revealed just how deeply embedded this misunderstanding runs through Australian driving culture, with many of us carrying around 'rules' that exist more in family folklore than in actual law books.



In this article



The legal reality: No shoes, no worries (legally speaking)



Let's settle this once and for all: No Australian states or territories have actually outlawed wearing inappropriate footwear while driving, and this includes wearing no footwear at all.



Whether you're in bustling Sydney, tropical Darwin, or anywhere in between, there's no copper going to book you specifically for driving in thongs or with bare feet.









But here's where it gets interesting—and where many drivers trip up. While there's no specific footwear law, Rule 297 of the Australian Road Rules 2008 states that drivers must have proper control of their vehicle at all times.



This catch-all rule is what keeps road safety experts on their toes, because if your footwear choice impairs your control (such as slipping off pedals), you could be fined $464 and lose 4 demerit points.




'You could wear a codfish on your feet as long as you maintain control of your vehicle'

Facebook commenter responding to NSW Road Safety post



The consequences can be serious if things go wrong. From an insurance perspective, if an accident occurs and it's demonstrated that barefoot driving or improper footwear contributed to the incident, this could affect liability assessments. Insurance companies might view it as a factor of negligence, impacting claims processing and outcomes.








Why this myth refuses to die



Understanding why so many Australians still believe the barefoot driving ban helps explain how driving myths take root and spread. Many older drivers were genuinely taught this during their learning years, with one person saying matter-of-factly: 'When I got my license back in the '60s you weren't allowed to drive with thongs or bare feet.'



This isn't just nostalgia talking—driving instructors in earlier decades often taught this as fact, likely as a safety measure rather than a legal requirement.



The rule made intuitive sense: loose footwear could slip off or get caught, bare feet might slip on pedals, so better to mandate proper shoes. Over time, safety advice morphed into 'law' in the collective memory.




The Generation Gap


Survey data suggests a clear divide between age groups on driving myths. Older Australians are more likely to believe barefoot driving is illegal, while younger drivers are more confused about what's actually required versus recommended.




When good intentions lead to real accidents



The irony is that while the myth persists, inappropriate footwear genuinely does cause accidents. Legal experts point to real scenarios where this plays out dramatically. Consider this example:



You're driving wearing thongs when the strap on your right thong breaks. The strap gets caught on your brake pedal just as you're coming to a stop at traffic lights. You can't slow down in time due to the interference from the broken strap, hitting the car in front and causing a four-car pile-up. Police investigate and find you at fault, specifically because your broken thong caused the accident. You face a hefty fine and your licence gets suspended for three months.









There have been several documented cases where thongs got caught under pedals and restricted foot movement, causing serious accidents. This is precisely why safety experts focus on control rather than specific footwear rules.



What driving experts actually recommend



Here's where it gets fascinating: many professional driving instructors actually prefer students drive barefoot rather than wear inappropriate shoes. The reasoning behind this preference is that driving instructors would rather see students in complete control of their vehicle than struggling with unsuitable footwear.



The reasoning is practical. The curves of your feet don't match the flat profile of the accelerator or brake pedal, so you won't get as much contact as you would if you were wearing a pair of tight-fitting shoes. However, if you need to brake suddenly while barefoot, you might find yourself reluctant to smash your feet into the pedals, for fear of injuring your toes or slamming your bare feet on exposed metal.









Even professional race car drivers weigh in on this debate. As one person noted during the Victoria Police Facebook discussion: 'Denny Hulme, ex-Formula One champion and former Australian Touring Car driver drove barefoot in the early days in races.'



The smart approach to footwear choices



Rather than getting caught up in legal technicalities, the most sensible approach focuses on practical safety. For those who prefer open footwear like thongs or choose to drive barefoot, carrying appropriate shoes in the vehicle is advisable. Switching to these upon reaching a destination ensures compliance with recommended safety standards without compromising personal comfort.




Best Practice for Australian Drivers



  • Keep a pair of secure, flat shoes in your car

  • If caught without proper footwear, barefoot is often safer than thongs or heels

  • Avoid high heels, heavy boots, or loose-fitting sandals while driving

  • Remember: it's about vehicle control, not following specific footwear laws




The best shoes to drive in are soft shoes with a good grip, such as loafers, boat shoes, and trainers. These shoes allow you to pedal correctly and keep your ankle flexible and sole sensitive. That way, you can quickly analyse how much pressure to apply to the pedals.









State-by-state variations you should know



While the basic principle holds across Australia, there are some interesting state-specific quirks worth noting. In South Australia, the rules differ for learner drivers: for safety reasons, learner drivers in SA cannot drive barefoot or in thongs and must wear appropriate footwear.



Queensland has its own particular angle. It's only legal to drive barefoot in Queensland if you're driving a car—defined as a vehicle weighing less than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, built to carry no more than 12 adults including the driver. If you're driving anything larger, you need proper footwear.



Did you know?


Did you know?
Studies have found that many teenage P-plate drivers commonly wear thongs while driving, highlighting how widespread this practice remains despite safety concerns.



As transport authorities consistently state: 'There is no legislation prohibiting drivers from wearing heels, thongs or driving barefoot.' In fact, it doesn't matter where you drive in Australia—heels, flip flops and bare feet are all legal.









The insurance angle most drivers miss



Beyond fines and demerit points, there's another important consideration that many Australian drivers overlook. If you're involved in an accident and investigators determine that your footwear choice contributed to the crash, it could complicate your insurance claim significantly.



If a particular driving activity causes or contributes to an accident, your insurance may not cover you and you could be held responsible for the accident by authorities, resulting in fines or prosecution. This applies whether you're wearing stilettos that get caught on pedals or driving barefoot on a rainy day when your feet slip.



The summer dilemma: Thongs versus barefoot



For many Australians, especially during our sweltering summers, the choice often comes down to thongs or bare feet. The research suggests a clear winner: It's not illegal to drive barefoot in Australia, and it's much safer than driving in thongs. Considering how easy it is to take your thongs off when you get in the car, you should always do so!









The reasoning is straightforward. Loose-fitting footwear like thongs can easily be caught up underneath the pedals, causing people to lose control of their car with disastrous effect. Many experienced drivers have developed the habit of slipping off their thongs before starting the engine, particularly for longer drives.





Example Scenario


  1. Beach trip safety: You're heading to the coast in thongs and shorts. Before starting the car, slip off your thongs and drive barefoot. When you arrive, slip them back on for the sand. This simple switch eliminates the risk of straps catching on pedals while maintaining comfort at your destination.





Moving beyond the myth



The persistence of the barefoot driving myth reveals something interesting about how road rules evolve in the public consciousness. What started as sensible safety advice somehow transformed into perceived law, complete with penalties that people can confidently quote despite never having seen them enforced.



From whether it's illegal to drive barefoot to questions about coasting in neutral or overtaking a funeral procession, these myths often stem from misunderstandings or outdated ideas. By separating fact from fiction, drivers can make more informed decisions, avoid unnecessary penalties, and ensure they're adhering to the law while staying safe behind the wheel.



The truth is refreshingly simple: wear whatever footwear allows you to maintain complete control of your vehicle. If that means sturdy sneakers, perfect. If it means bare feet on a hot summer day, that's legal too. The key isn't following a specific footwear rule—it's making smart choices that prioritise safety and vehicle control.



What This Means For You


What's your experience with this particular driving myth? Have you been confidently telling others about the 'barefoot driving law' that doesn't actually exist, or were you part of the informed majority who knew it was just a persistent misconception? Understanding the facts helps us all make better decisions on Australian roads.





  • Original Article


    https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...o/news-story/ffb36312101cb4627cbc6df0fd6670f4





  • Bare feet, thongs or heels? Confusion over driving law about footwear

    Cited text: At the time of publishing almost 60 per cent said they thought it wasn’t illegal, while 40 per cent said they thought it was illegal.


    Excerpt: almost 60 per cent said they thought it wasn't illegal, while 40 per cent said they thought it was illegal



    https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-confused-over-the-best-footwear-for-driving-safely-093538537.html





  • Is Driving Without Shoes Illegal in Australia? (2025 Update)

    Cited text: No Australian states or territories have actually outlawed wearing inappropriate footwear while driving, and this includes wearing no footwear at all....


    Excerpt: No Australian states or territories have actually outlawed wearing inappropriate footwear while driving, and this includes wearing no footwear at all.



    https://lawpath.com.au/blog/is-driving-without-shoes-illegal-in-australia





  • Is Driving Without Shoes Illegal in Australia? (2025 Update)

    Cited text: · No Australian states or territories have actually outlawed wearing inappropriate footwear while driving, and this includes wearing no footwear at al...


    Excerpt: No Australian states or territories have actually outlawed wearing inappropriate footwear while driving, and this includes wearing no footwear at all.



    https://lawpath.com.au/blog/is-driving-without-shoes-illegal-in-australia





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Australia? - Right2Drive

    Cited text: However, it’s crucial to understand the broader legal context: Rule 297 of the Australian Road Rules 2008 states that drivers must have proper control...


    Excerpt: Rule 297 of the Australian Road Rules 2008 states that drivers must have proper control of their vehicle at all times



    https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-australia





  • Is Driving Without Shoes Illegal in Australia? (2025 Update)

    Cited text: However, rule 297 of the Australian Road Rules 2008 provides that the driver must still take all precautions to drive in the safest manner possible.


    Excerpt: Rule 297 of the Australian Road Rules 2008 states that drivers must have proper control of their vehicle at all times



    https://lawpath.com.au/blog/is-driving-without-shoes-illegal-in-australia





  • Can You Drive Barefoot in NSW? | JB Solicitors

    Cited text: If you don’t wear shoes, it impairs your control (e.g., slipping off pedals), you could be fined $464 and lose 4 demerit points.


    Excerpt: if you don't wear shoes, it impairs your control (e.g., slipping off pedals), you could be fined $464 and lose 4 demerit points.



    https://jbsolicitors.com.au/can-you-drive-barefoot-in-nsw/





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot or with Sandals in Australia?

    Cited text: From an insurance perspective, if an accident occurs and it’s demonstrated that barefoot driving or improper footwear contributed to the incident, thi...


    Excerpt: From an insurance perspective, if an accident occurs and it's demonstrated that barefoot driving or improper footwear contributed to the incident, this could affect liability assessments.



    https://easlegal.com.au/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-or-with-sandals-in-australia/





  • Bare feet, thongs or heels? Confusion over driving law about footwear

    Cited text: “There is no legislation prohibiting drivers from wearing heels, thongs or driving barefoot,” a spokesperson responded.


    Excerpt: 'When I got my license back in the '60s you weren't allowed to drive with thongs or bare feet,' one person said matter-of-factly



    https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-confused-over-the-best-footwear-for-driving-safely-093538537.html





  • Is Driving Without Shoes Illegal in Australia? (2025 Update)

    Cited text: Say you were driving wearing thongs. This isn’t a problem in and of itself, however the strap on your right thong broke. The strap got caught on your ...


    Excerpt: Say you were driving wearing thongs. This isn't a problem in and of itself, however the strap on your right thong broke.



    https://lawpath.com.au/blog/is-driving-without-shoes-illegal-in-australia





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Australia? - Right2Drive

    Cited text: There have been several cases where thongs got caught under pedals and restricted foot movement, causing serious accidents.


    Excerpt: There have been several cases where thongs got caught under pedals and restricted foot movement, causing serious accidents.



    https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-australia





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot or Without Shoes? | CarsGuide

    Cited text: This is why many driving instructors prefer people to drive barefoot over loose-fitting shoes, or even high-heels.


    Excerpt: This is why many driving instructors prefer people to drive barefoot over loose-fitting shoes, or even high-heels.



    https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-67214





  • Is it illegal to drive barefoot? | GoGet Carshare

    Cited text: The curves of your feet don’t match the flat profile of the accelerator or brake pedal, so you won’t get as much contact as you would if you were wear...


    Excerpt: The curves of your feet don't match the flat profile of the accelerator or brake pedal, so you won't get as much contact as you would if you were wearing a pair of tight-fitting shoes.



    https://www.goget.com.au/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot





  • Bare feet, thongs or heels? Confusion over driving law about footwear

    Cited text: Source: Getty Images · “Denny Hulme, ex-Formula one champion and former Australian Touring Car driver drove barefoot in the early days in races,” one ...


    Excerpt: 'Denny Hulme, ex-Formula one champion and former Australian Touring Car driver drove barefoot in the early days in races,' one woman said



    https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-confused-over-the-best-footwear-for-driving-safely-093538537.html





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot or with Sandals in Australia?

    Cited text: For those who prefer open footwear like thongs or choose to drive barefoot, carrying appropriate shoes in the vehicle is advisable. Switching to these...


    Excerpt: For those who prefer open footwear like thongs or choose to drive barefoot, carrying appropriate shoes in the vehicle is advisable.



    https://easlegal.com.au/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-or-with-sandals-in-australia/





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Australia? - Right2Drive

    Cited text: The best shoes to drive in are soft shoes with a good grip, such as loafers, boat shoes, and trainers. These shoes allow you to pedal correctly and ke...


    Excerpt: The best shoes to drive in are soft shoes with a good grip, such as loafers, boat shoes, and trainers.



    https://www.right2drive.com.au/articles/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-australia





  • Is it illegal to drive barefoot? | GoGet Carshare

    Cited text: For safety reasons learner drivers in SA cannot drive barefoot or in thongs and must wear appropriate footwear.


    Excerpt: For safety reasons learner drivers in SA cannot drive barefoot or in thongs and must wear appropriate footwear.



    https://www.goget.com.au/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot





  • Is it illegal to drive barefoot? | GoGet Carshare

    Cited text: BUT there is an exception to this rule. It’s only legal to drive barefoot in Queensland if you’re driving a car—defined as a vehicle weighing less t...


    Excerpt: It's only legal to drive barefoot in Queensland if you're driving a car—defined as a vehicle weighing less than 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass, built to carry no more than 12 adults including the driver.



    https://www.goget.com.au/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot





  • Bare feet, thongs or heels? Confusion over driving law about footwear

    Cited text: In fact it doesn’t matter where you drive in Australia, heels, flip flops and bare feet are all legal.


    Excerpt: 'There is no legislation prohibiting drivers from wearing heels, thongs or driving barefoot,' a spokesperson responded.



    https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussies-confused-over-the-best-footwear-for-driving-safely-093538537.html





  • Driving Myths Debunked—ROLLiN' - Get a quote online

    Cited text: If a particular driving activity causes or contributes to an accident, your insurance may not cover you and you could be held responsible for the acci...


    Excerpt: If a particular driving activity causes or contributes to an accident, your insurance may not cover you and you could be held responsible for the accident by authorities, resulting in fines or prosecution.



    https://rollininsurance.com.au/driving-myths-debunked





  • Is it illegal to drive in thongs in Australia? | GoGet Car Share

    Cited text: It’s not illegal to drive barefoot in Australia, and it’s much safer than driving in thongs. Considering how easy it is to take your thongs off when y...


    Excerpt: It's not illegal to drive barefoot in Australia, and it's much safer than driving in thongs.



    https://www.goget.com.au/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-in-thongs/





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot or Without Shoes? | CarsGuide

    Cited text: · Loose-fitting footwear like thongs can easily be caught up underneath the pedals, causing people to lose control of their car with disastrous effect...


    Excerpt: Loose-fitting footwear like thongs can easily be caught up underneath the pedals, causing people to lose control of their car with disastrous effect.



    https://www.carsguide.com.au/urban/...-barefoot-or-without-shoes-in-australia-67214





  • Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot? Top 10 Driving Myths Explained

    Cited text: From whether it’s illegal to drive barefoot to questions about coasting in neutral or overtaking a funeral procession, these myths often stem from mis...


    Excerpt: From whether it's illegal to drive barefoot to questions about coasting in neutral or overtaking a funeral procession, these myths often stem from misunderstandings or outdated ideas.



    https://www.westsideauto.com.au/news/top-10-driving-myths-explained

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It might not be law but it comes down to safety, not just for that person but for everyone. And I know that some people tend to get hot feet but that’s what car air-conditioners are for. To me it’s only sensible to have good foot wear on 👍
 
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Lesley Colclough said:
It might not be law but it comes down to safety, not just for that person but for everyone. And I know that some people tend to get hot feet but that’s what car air-conditioners are for. To me it’s only sensible to have good foot wear on 👍
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I suffer from hot feet, feels like they're burning. Air conditioning just doesn't help. You would think it would, but it doesn't.
 
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DerekKMartin said:
I suffer from hot feet, feels like they're burning. Air conditioning just doesn't help. You would think it would, but it doesn't.
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Dear member DerekKMartin, thankyou for your post. I had the same problem, especially in warmer weather. So I purchased shoes that had the top part of the shoes made of a kind of mesh, like it has small tiny holes the size of pins that would provide light ventilation. Take a strole throughout your store that sells shoes and ask the store attendant, if they have shoes that provide some relief and ventilation during hot weather. Believe me, it will stop that hot cooking feeling in your shoes during hot summer days. Wishing you a pleasant evening. 🙏🦋
 
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7777 said:
Dear member DerekKMartin, thankyou for your post. I had the same problem, especially in warmer weather. So I purchased shoes that had the top part of the shoes made of a kind of mesh, like it has small tiny holes the size of pins that would provide light ventilation. Take a strole throughout your store that sells shoes and ask the store attendant, if they have shoes that provide some relief and ventilation during hot weather. Believe me, it will stop that hot cooking feeling in your shoes during hot summer days. Wishing you a pleasant evening. 🙏🦋
Click to expand...
That's fine in summer, I wear sandals, they work well. Winter is another thing though.
 
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In my late teens getting a lift home from work we were pulled over by the HWP. Nothing could be found wrong with the car except he had no footwear on. When asked where his shoes were he said he had none in the car. I was asked to donate my thongs for his use and able to drive away. Ernie then said if he gets Tinea he'll kill me. So since then I've believed you had to wear shoes.....lol
 
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