Tynan Drive Guide: Is It Legal to Drive While Wearing Thongs or Sandals in NSW and Australia?

2025-12-16

In summer, it’s common to see NSW drivers swap enclosed shoes for thongs or sandals — especially during weekends, holidays and beach trips. But while open-toed footwear may be comfortable, many motorists still wonder: is it actually legal to drive in thongs or sandals in New South Wales?

In this Tynan Drive Guide, we break down what the law says for NSW drivers, what penalties may apply, and how the rules compare across the rest of Australia.

Is It Legal to Drive in Thongs or Sandals in NSW?

Yes. In New South Wales, it is legal to drive while wearing thongs or sandals. There is no specific NSW road rule that bans drivers from wearing open-toed footwear.

However, NSW law is clear on one key requirement: drivers must maintain proper control of their vehicle at all times. If your footwear contributes to a loss of control — such as slipping off the pedals or becoming stuck — you may still be fined.

NSW Penalties Drivers Should Be Aware Of

While wearing thongs or sandals is legal, NSW Police can still issue penalties under the offence of failing to properly control a vehicle if footwear is deemed a contributing factor.

For NSW drivers, this can result in:

A $562 fine and three demerit points
A $762 fine and four demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone

At Tynan Motors, we encourage NSW motorists to think beyond what’s legal and focus on what’s safest for everyday driving conditions.

What Transport for NSW Expects from Drivers

According to Transport for NSW, road safety is a shared responsibility. While there are no rules dictating what footwear you must wear, drivers are expected to ensure nothing interferes with safe vehicle operation.

Transport for NSW advises motorists to:

Wear footwear that allows secure pedal control
Avoid shoes that may slip, loosen or catch
Ensure braking and acceleration are not impaired

Footwear may be considered if an incident occurs, even if it isn’t illegal.

Can Footwear Affect Fault After an Accident in NSW?

Yes. Although driving in thongs is legal in NSW, footwear may still be taken into account after a collision.

If investigations find that:

Footwear delayed braking, or
Reduced the driver’s control of the vehicle

it could influence fault assessments, penalties or insurance outcomes.

Tynan Motors Advice for NSW Drivers

At Tynan Motors, we support safer driving habits — particularly during busy summer periods when NSW roads are at their most congested.

Our practical advice:

Wear secure, well-fitting shoes when driving
Avoid loose or backless sandals for longer trips
Keep a spare pair of driving shoes in your car during summer
Take extra care in school zones, during holiday periods, and on long weekend travel

Even with advanced safety features available in many vehicles at Tynan Motors, driver control always plays a critical role.

Quick Recap: Driving in Thongs or Sandals in Other Australian States

While this Tynan Motors Drive Guide is focused on NSW drivers, many motorists travel interstate. Here’s a simple overview of how the rules compare across Australia.

Victoria

Legal to drive in thongs or sandals
No footwear-specific law
Drivers may be fined if footwear contributes to loss of control
Penalties can reach $1,017

Queensland

Legal to drive in thongs or sandals
Drivers must maintain full control
If footwear interferes with driving, penalties include a $667 fine and three demerit points

South Australia

Legal to drive in open-toed footwear
Authorities warn of reduced pedal control
Failure to maintain control can result in a $228 fine
Learner drivers cannot drive barefoot or in thongs

Western Australia

No law banning thongs or sandals
Footwear may be considered if an accident occurs

Tasmania

Legal to drive in thongs or sandals
No road rule regulating driver footwear

Australian Capital Territory

Legal to drive in thongs or sandals
Footwear alone does not determine fault
May be considered after a collision

Northern Territory

Legal to drive in thongs or sandals
No legislation restricting footwear choice

Drive Confidently with Tynan Motors

Across Australia — including New South Wales — driving in thongs or sandals is legal. But the key takeaway is simple: you must always remain in full control of your vehicle.

The Tynan Drive Guide is designed to help NSW drivers stay informed, avoid fines and demerit points, and drive with confidence year-round.

If you’re considering upgrading to a newer vehicle with advanced safety technology, visit Tynan Motors and explore our range of vehicles available across NSW.

Source: drive.com.au