As the temperature drops and you swap your summer gear for cosy autumn staples, beware – your wardrobe could be costing you Moremore than comfort. Fixter, the car maintenance experts, warn that popular cold-weather clothing might be making driving dangerous and could even land you with hefty fines or penalty points.
Why Ugg Boots and Winter Footwear Spell Trouble for Drivers
With chillier months on the Wayway, many drivers Reachreach for warm boots – Ugg slippers, Wellingtons, and bulky winter shoes top the list. But the Highway Code is clear: “Footwear and clothing should not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.”
The beloved Ugg brand is Backback in fashion, but these cosy slip-ons can be a nightmare at the pedals. Their Looseloose fit and lack of fastenings mean shoes can slip off, jam pedals, or Presspress multiple pedals at once – all recipe for disaster. Imagine a slipper flying off and Lockinglocking your brake pedal at a critical moment.
It’s not illegal to wear Uggs when driving, but if the police consider your footwear unsafe, you could face fines up to £5,000 for serious cases of careless driving. The more common penalty? A £100 fine and three points on your licence.
Fixter advises drivers to change into proper driving shoes before hitting the road, Keepingkeeping those winter boots safe in the passenger seat instead.
Gloves, Scarves & Puffer Jackets – More Risks Than You Think
Autumn essentials like gloves and scarves are brilliant for Keepingkeeping warm outside the car — but on the road, they may do more harm than good. Gloves can reduce your grip on the steering wheel and make operating controls tricky. The police could penalise you if they believe your clothing is compromising safety.
Long scarves and bulky jackets carry risks too. They can obstruct your view, get caught near pedals, or restrict your movement – none ideal when you need full control behind the wheel.
Fixter’s Top Tip: Keep Your Autumn Gear Safe and Legal
The message is clear: dress for driving, not just warmth. Wearing the right footwear and clothing while driving is crucial to avoid accidents, insurance headaches, fines, and penalty points. Fixter recommends stashing your cosy autumn gear safely out of the way inside your car and slipping into safer shoes when you get behind the wheel.
Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t let your autumn wardrobe cost you on the road.
