Is it illegal to drive in high heels?

If you’re wondering whether driving in heels is against Australia’s road rules, here’s what you need to know.

It’s a common misconception that driving while wearing high heels is illegal.

In reality, there are no specific laws prohibiting you from driving while wearing heels in Australia.

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However, every state and territory in the country has laws requiring drivers to maintain proper control of their vehicle.

Under regulation 297 of the Australian Road Rules, “a driver must not drive a vehicle unless the driver has proper control of the vehicle”.

Under that road rule, a driver could face a penalty if they lose control of their vehicle and their choice of footwear is found to have contributed to this loss of control.

The specific penalty for losing control of your vehicle will vary depending on where you live.

While driving in high heels is legal, it’s not advised.

A 2014 study into the effect of high heels on car pedal use found, “female drivers require greater lower extremity muscle activation when wearing high heels than when wearing low heels.”

In a nutshell, driving a car while wearing heels requires more effort and exertion than it does if you’re wearing flat shoes.

“Furthermore, instability and muscle fatigue of the ankle joint, which results from wearing high heels on a daily basis, could also occur while driving,” the study found.

Read on to learn about the various rules about driving in high heels in each state and territory.

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in Queensland?

“Some footwear types can interfere with the operation of the brake pedal or accelerator affecting control of the vehicle,” a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Drive. 

“While there is no specific footwear offence, Queensland road rules require drivers to keep proper control of their vehicle at all times.

“Failing this can result in an on-the-spot fine of $335.”

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in the ACT?

“Just because something isn’t expressly illegal, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said.

“If a driver had manifestly unsuitable footwear on their feet they would be fined for ‘driving without proper control, or negligent driving’.”

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in NSW?

No, it is not illegal to drive in high heels in New South Wales, but you could be fined for not having proper control of your car in the event of an accident.

If so, the fine would be $481 and three demerit points.

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in Victoria?

No, it is not illegal to drive in high heels in Victoria – but you could be penalised if your heels interfere with your ability to control your vehicle.

In Victoria, failure to have proper control of a vehicle attracts a $277 penalty.

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in Western Australia?

“Although there is no specific legislation regarding the wearing of footwear while driving or riding a motor vehicle, the circumstances of wearing inappropriate footwear while operating a motor vehicle may be taken into account if a person is involved in an incident,”  a spokesperson for WA Police told Drive.

“The Western Australia Police Force is committed to improving road safety and would recommend that all drivers wear appropriate footwear while driving vehicles on roads.”

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in Tasmania?

No, it is not illegal to drive while wearing heels in Tasmania.

However, depending on the circumstances, you could be found to be driving without proper control of your vehicle.

If so, this could result in a $195 fine.

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in the Northern Territory?

According to NT Police, it is not an offence to drive in any type of footwear in the NT.

However, NT drivers must maintain proper control of their vehicle.

Is it illegal to drive in high heels in South Australia?

“There are no specific laws in South Australia governing what footwear must be worn while driving, ”a Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA) told Drive.

“For safety reasons, learner drivers in SA undertaking driving lessons and testing must wear appropriate footwear when driving – no thongs, bare feet, clogs or shoes without heel support are permitted.”

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