Is it illegal to drive in jandals?

Local podiatrists have warned people to moderate their jandal use this summer or risk injuries, prompting a debate as to whether it was illegal to drive in flip-flops.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Transport Agency, Kara Fleming, said it was not an offence to drive in jandals or barefoot.

The Daily Post posted a question on its Facebook page to see if anyone had heard about the supposed law.

Some had heard it was illegal, while others thought it was plain silly.

One said: "I wear jandals i dnt think their a problem, barefoot i find it uncomfy..i never thought il be illegal too.."

Another said: "thats just stupid. jandles i can understand as thay might get caught around pedals, but barefoot??? really!!!! in my opinion it would be safer than shoes. you can feel the pressure you apply on the pedals and how are they different from shoes??? ministry of transport, get real!!!!!"

A legal advice forum on AA's website stated there was no law banning barefoot driving or driving with jandals on.

However, it said it was illegal to drive a vehicle in a manner which could cause injury and this could apply in the case of jandals.

It said jandals had no grip and could easily slip off the pedals, causing the driver to lose control, which was especially a risk when your foot was moving between the accelerator and brake pedals.

Grip is especially compromised when the pedal is smooth or if the jandals are wet.

If you are wearing jandals, The AA recommends removing jandals while driving; bare feet are safer, although close-fitting shoes with a treaded sole are best.