Driving barefoot or in flip-flops may feel freeing on Australia’s coastal roads, but under the country’s 2025 driving safety standards, it’s a potential legal and safety risk. Although there’s no national law directly banning barefoot driving, new road safety policies across several states now hold drivers more accountable for full vehicle control. In practice, if your footwear—or lack of it—contributes to reckless driving or an accident, you could face serious penalties, demerit points, or even insurance issues.

Understanding the 2025 Road Safety Regulations

Australia’s 2025 road safety framework tightened expectations for safe driving behavior rather than introducing blanket bans. The focus is now on driver competence and control, including how footwear affects one’s ability to manage pedals under different road conditions. Transport departments in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have all reinforced that a driver must maintain proper control of their vehicle at all times. If footwear—such as thongs, sandals, or bare feet—reduces that control, the driver may be liable for penalties ranging from AUD $400 to $800, depending on the severity of the incident.

These rules are not arbitrary. They aim to minimize the number of preventable road accidents caused by pedal slips, slow reaction times, or obstructed pedal access. As road enforcement intensifies, authorities now treat seemingly minor factors like footwear as part of overall driver responsibility.

Barefoot Driving: Legal but Risky

Technically, it remains legal to drive without shoes in every Australian state. What has changed in 2025 is how closely law enforcement and insurers scrutinize the cause of an accident. If a crash investigation reveals that control was lost because you were driving barefoot or in slippery footwear, you may be charged with negligent driving.

Barefoot driving is particularly risky during emergency braking or sudden swerving. Without footwear, your feet can sweat and slip, leading to slower braking or inconsistent pedal pressure. While barefoot driving may feel more responsive for some, authorities caution against it due to the higher likelihood of accidents caused by pedal mismanagement on wet or uneven surfaces.

Flip-Flops and Loose Footwear Warnings

Flip-flops, slides, and other open footwear pose notable hazards under the 2025 regulations. These lightweight shoes can slip off easily and lodge beneath a pedal, preventing it from being pressed or released in time. The Queensland Department of Transport has repeatedly advised against loose footwear for this reason, emphasizing that enclosed, firm-grip shoes reduce the chance of a slip during critical maneuvers.

Victoria’s road safety education campaigns in 2025 have also reiterated that poor footwear choices are a growing factor in minor collisions, particularly among urban and coastal commuters. With more drivers opting for casual footwear, enforcement cameras and highway patrol checks are increasingly noting footwear type in incident reports.

State-Level Penalties and Enforcement

Penalties for unsafe footwear practices vary by jurisdiction but have generally increased under the 2025 safety updates.

• New South Wales: Fines of up to AUD $500 apply for “driving without proper control” if footwear is a factor.
• Queensland: Drivers can be fined or penalized under the Transport Operations Regulation if improper footwear leads to unsafe driving.
• Victoria: Negligent driving due to inappropriate footwear can lead to fines up to AUD $800 and accrue demerit points.

Beyond these fines, insurance companies now reserve the right to reevaluate or deny claims if footwear is deemed to have contributed to an accident. This aligns with a broader national push to strengthen personal responsibility in road safety.

Safety Advice for Drivers in 2025

To stay compliant with the 2025 standards, authorities recommend wearing suitable driving footwear at all times. The safest option is a pair of lightweight, closed shoes with firm soles and good traction. Driving experts discourage using thick soles, high heels, or any shoes that alter pedal feel.

Here are key safety recommendations from transport authorities and driving schools:

• Avoid driving in flip-flops, sandals, or heels that can affect pedal grip.
• Keep a pair of comfortable, flat, non-slip shoes in your car specifically for driving.
• Avoid barefoot driving, especially during long trips or in wet weather.
• Check that shoes are clean and dry before driving to reduce slipping risk.
• Do not drive in shoes that are too bulky or make it difficult to sense pedal movement.

Following these basic steps can help maintain your safety and avoid financial or legal trouble.

Insurance and Liability Risks

Beyond immediate fines, barefoot or flip-flop driving can create complications with insurance coverage. Insurers now pay close attention to the circumstances surrounding accidents, including whether footwear may have impaired control. If it’s determined that footwear choice was a contributing factor, claims could be reduced or denied. This adjustment reflects a growing industry-wide recognition that small behavioral factors often lead to larger road safety consequences.

Why the 2025 Crackdown Matters

The stricter approach is part of Australia’s broader Vision Zero initiative, which aims to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries over the coming decade. The updated 2025 driving standards expand responsibility to all aspects of driving behavior—from phone use and seatbelt compliance to seemingly small habits like footwear choice.

Driving barefoot or in flip-flops may still be legal in the technical sense, but under today’s road safety laws, legality does not equal safety. The message from transport departments is unambiguous: drivers must take extra care to wear appropriate footwear and maintain full control of their vehicles.

Final Thoughts

Under Australia’s 2025 driving framework, barefoot driving is no longer seen as harmless personal preference but as a potential risk factor under the law. Whether it’s bare feet, worn sandals, or summertime thongs, choosing improper footwear could now affect not only your safety but also your legal standing after an incident. Drivers who take a few seconds to switch to safer shoes could avoid fines, insurance disputes, and potentially life-threatening accidents. In 2025, road safety starts from the ground up—literally, with what’s on your feet.