Drivers could see themselves hit with a fine for trying to stay cool this summer by breaching two often-overlooked Highway Code rules, a motor expert has warned.

Many drivers are wearing more cooling clothing as temperatures remain high across the country. But driving in certain shoes, or even forgetting to crack a window, could land you in serious trouble with the law.

According to Pete Ridley, motoring expert at Car Finance Saver, drivers across the UK could unknowingly be breaking the law during hot weather, simply by the way they dress or how they cool down their cars.

He said: “We all want to stay comfortable when temperatures rise, but comfort can’t come at the cost of safety or compliance with the law."

Sandals, sliders, and flip-flops are among footwear that could be deemed unsafe and a potential hazard for driving under Highway Code Rule 97. The regulation states that clothing and footwear should not prevent you from using the vehicle’s controls in the correct manner.

If an officer believes your footwear can affect your ability to drive safely, such as slipping off the pedals or causing delayed reaction times, you could face a fine of up to £5,000, nine penalty points, and even a potential driving ban under charges of careless or dangerous driving.

Mr Ridley explained: “Drivers often think summer wear is harmless, but it can pose a real risk. Footwear like flip-flops doesn’t provide the grip or stability needed to safely operate pedals, especially in emergencies.

"This is why I always suggest keeping a pair of sturdy driving shoes in the car. It takes seconds to change and could save you a huge headache.”

Highway Code Rule 237 also advises that drivers should keep their vehicles well-ventilated to avoid drowsiness and watch for slippery road conditions after dry spells, soft road surfaces, and sun glare.

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He said: “Driving in extreme heat without proper airflow or functioning air conditioning affects more than just your comfort; it affects your concentration, delays reaction times, and increases fatigue.

“In serious cases, this could be treated as driving without due care and attention, which could lead to a £1,000 fine for careless driving. If this leads to an accident where someone is seriously injured, this could result in a £5,000 fine and nine penalty points on the driver's licence.

“Ventilation and visibility go hand in hand. If you’re overheating or dazzled by sunlight, your judgement suffers and you might not even realise it until it's too late. Just because something feels harmless doesn’t mean it is

“The Highway Code is about prevention, not punishment. If your driving could put you or others at risk, you may be liable.”

The motor expert has also shared some of his top tips on how to stay safe and fine free when driving this summer. He recommends following these practical steps to stay within the law and out of danger:

Ridley said: “We all tend to associate dangerous driving with winter due to icy roads, fog, and darkness, and modify our behaviour accordingly. However, summer has its own set of serious risks and deserves the same attention.”