Is it illegal to eat and drive, to drive barefoot, in flip flops or sleep in your car? All you need to know about UK driving rules

UK driving laws can be a complicated matter – and many get muddled between legitimate regulations and motoring myths.

Here’s everything you need to know about avoiding penalties while on the road…

Are you allowed to drive barefoot or in flip-flops?

There is currently no legislation in place that requires Brits to wear appropriate shoes for driving.

Despite this, the DVSA advises: “Suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel.

“We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”

Is it against the law to eat or drink soft drinks while driving?

While it isn’t illegal to munch while motoring, it’s highly unadvisable.

The police are also able to prosecute those who aren’t in proper control of their vehicles while they eat or drink.

An eye-opening study from Leeds University claimed that tucking into some food behind the wheel was more dangerous than using a phone.

Drivers who snacked while driving were found to be up to 44 per cent slower than usual.

Is it illegal to smoke while driving?

Motorists are not permitted to smoke and drive if they are sharing a car with a passenger who is under the age of 18.

As long as drivers stick by this rule, they are allowed to enjoy a cigarette behind the wheel.

The dangerous driving clause can prosecute those who make careless mistakes after lighting up in their vehicle.

Is it illegal to sleep in your car?

If you are over the drink driving limit, it is against the law to sleep in your car.

Motorists can also land themselves in trouble for parking and sleeping in areas where overnight stays are illegal.

Taking a kip in a service station is usually okay, just make sure to check the car park’s maximum stay limit.

Man gets ticket on car while its parked on his own driveway as he heats it up

Can you get fined for moving out of the way of an ambulance?

Motorists who pull into a bus line or jump a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle could face penalties.

The Highway Code states: “You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens, or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights.”

But the code also says you should not panic and consider the route of the vehicle to take appropriate action.

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