Flip or flop? A definitive answer to if you can drive in thongs in Australia.

The minute summer hits, Australians collectively ditch closed shoes. Thongs become acceptable everywhere — the beach, the shops, and yes, sometimes the driver's seat.

But if you've ever slipped them on before turning the key, you've probably wondered: Is this actually allowed? Or is it one of those things everyone does but no one talks about?

The short answer: you're probably fine — but there's a catch.

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Is there a national rule about driving footwear?

There's no Australia-wide law that tells drivers what they can or can't wear on their feet. No rule saying you must wear enclosed shoes. No official thong ban.

However, across the country, drivers are still legally required to:

• stay in proper control of their vehicle

• drive safely and attentively at all times

That's where footwear can become an issue — not because it's illegal, but because it could contribute to a mistake.

New South Wales: Legal, but not risk-free.

You're allowed to drive in thongs or sandals. There's no specific law banning open-toed shoes.

If footwear contributes to losing control of the car, you can be fined.

• Penalties can include:a fine of over $500

• demerit points

• higher penalties in school zones

The key issue isn't what's on your feet — it's whether it affects how you drive.

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Victoria: Same deal, different penalties.

Thongs and sandals are legal behind the wheel. Drivers must still maintain full control of the vehicle.

• If footwear is a factor in unsafe driving, penalties apply.

• Fines can reach over $1,000 if the matter goes to court.

In other words: legal, but not a free pass.

Queensland: Control is everything.

Driving in thongs or sandals is allowed. If footwear interferes with pedals or driving controls, it may be considered careless driving.

This can result in:

• a fine of more than $600

• three demerit points

South Australia: A warning — especially for learners.

Open-toed shoes are legal for most drivers. Authorities warn thongs can slip or get caught under pedals.

Failing to maintain control can lead to a fine.

Learner drivers face stricter rules:

• no driving barefoot

• no thongs or shoes without proper heel support on local roads

Western Australia: Legal, but context matters.

There's no law banning thongs or sandals while driving.

If an accident occurs, footwear may be considered when determining fault.

Other driving offences may apply depending on circumstances.

Tasmania, ACT and the Northern Territory.

All three allow driving in thongs or sandals.

None have specific rules regulating footwear.

As elsewhere, footwear may still be considered if it contributes to unsafe driving.

So… should you drive in thongs?

So yes, you can pretty much always drive in thongs. Australia isn't about to criminalise summer footwear any time soon. But legality and common sense don't always go hand in hand.

If your thongs are flapping, slipping, or doing that thing where they half fall off just as you need to brake, that's when the problem starts.

Not because the law hates open-toed shoes, but because it expects you to be in control of a vehicle at all times.

Think of it less as a rule about footwear and more as a quiet test of judgement. If you'd feel nervous doing an emergency stop in what you're wearing, it's probably not the best choice for driving.

Thongs will always have their place — the beach, the servo, the post-swim dash to the car — but when it comes to getting behind the wheel, the safest option is whatever lets you drive like you mean it.

Featured image: Canva.