As the temperature plunges, your cosy autumn wardrobe could be putting you in hot water behind the wheel. Fixter, the car maintenance pros, warn that popular cold-weather clothing might not just be uncomfortable—it could be downright dangerous and land you with hefty fines or penalty points.
Why Ugg Boots and Bulky Winter Shoes Are a Driving Disaster
With winter closing in, many drivers trade their trainers for warm boots like Ugg slippers, Wellingtons, and chunky winter shoes. But beware: the Highway Code is crystal clear – “Footwear and clothing should not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner.”
Ugg boots might be back in fashion, but their loose fit and lack of fastenings make them a nightmare at the pedals. They can slip off, jam pedals, or even press multiple controls at once. Picture an Ugg flying off and locking your brake pedal when you need to stop – a recipe for disaster.
It’s not illegal to wear Uggs while driving, but if the cops decide your footwear is unsafe, you could be slapped with fines up to £5,000 for serious careless driving. More commonly, expect a £100 fine and three points on your licence. Fixter advises switching to proper driving shoes before hitting the road and stashing those winter boots safely in the passenger seat.
Gloves, Scarves and Puffer Jackets Could Cost You More Than Cold Fingers
Autumn staples like gloves and scarves keep you warm outside the car, but behind the wheel they’re risky. Gloves can reduce your grip on the steering wheel and make controls fiddly. Police can penalise you if they think your clothing compromises safety.
Long scarves and bulky puffer jackets aren’t much better. They can obscure your view, get tangled near the pedals, or restrict your movement—none of which is good when you need full control of your car.
Fixter’s Top Tip: Dress To Drive, Not Just To Keep Warm
The message is simple: dress for driving, not just for the chill. The right footwear and clothing are vital to avoid accidents, insurance dramas, fines, and penalty points. Fixter recommends keeping your cosy autumn gear tucked safely away inside your car and swapping into sensible shoes before you set off. Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t let your autumn wardrobe cost you on the road.
