Is It illegal to drive barefoot?

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Despite what your parents might’ve told you when you were a teenager, it is not illegal to drive barefoot. No state in the U.S. has a law that explicitly outlaws driving with your shoes off. But that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea. You may have a harder time controlling a pedal with wet or sore feet. Plus, a sturdy sole often makes it easier to apply even pressure to a pedal. We researched the potential risks of driving barefoot as well as local regulations you should keep in mind in certain parts of the country.

If you’ve ever wondered why it is illegal to drive barefoot, you’ll be glad to know that it’s not actually illegal anywhere in the U.S. No state has a law that forbids drivers from getting behind the wheel when they’re not wearing shoes. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. In many places, driving barefoot is discouraged, and there are some solid reasons for that. If you are stopped by a police officer for another reason and they see that you are driving barefoot, you could be cited for negligence and given a ticket at the officer’s discretion.

What states have policies on driving without shoes?

Most states do not have specific laws or statutes related to barefoot driving. However, there can still be penalties for driving without shoes and socks. Why can’t you drive barefoot everywhere even if it’s technically legal? Some states leave penalties up to the discretion of local regulations or individual law enforcement officers. The following table shows the states that have specific recommendations or rules regarding driving while not wearing shoes.

Can I get in trouble if I get into an accident while driving barefoot?

Even though it is not illegal to drive barefoot, you may find yourself facing difficulties if you do so. For example, if you are stopped by a police officer for another reason, the officer might, at their discretion, give you a ticket for reckless driving.

If you are in an accident while driving barefoot, law enforcement may determine that driving barefoot or with inappropriate shoes played a role in the accident, thus resulting in penalties. For example, if you are driving in flip-flops, and the sole of the shoe catches on the gas pedal, causing you to accelerate instead of brake at a red light, you could face penalties if this causes you to hit another car.

Another factor to consider is the impact this could have on your car insurance. Insurers reward safe drivers with low average rates, while they are likely to raise your rate if you are involved in an accident. Filing a claim with your insurer, whether you are at-fault or not in the accident, may be enough to increase your rate. If the accident causes injuries, your bodily liability coverage may not be enough to pay for them, depending on what your insurance covers, or if the accident damages property, the same could be true.

If your own car is damaged in an accident that was caused by a driver who is barefoot or wearing inappropriate shoes, the policyholder may be out of luck unless they have full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance. These two types of coverage pay for damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident, but they are not mandatory in any state. In short, you can probably expect to see an increased premium if you are in an accident or have moving violations on your record caused by driving barefoot.

Like many urban legends or misconceptions, it is unclear where the myth that driving barefoot is illegal started. Since most people drive with shoes, it may be that it was just generally accepted that footwear is required for driving. In fact, you may have learned in driver’s education that driving with proper footwear is safer. Making safe driving choices is one of the best ways to avoid an accident, and that includes considering your choice of footwear.

In 1994, a man named Jason R. Heimbaugh from the University of Illinois at Urbana did a comprehensive survey to determine whether the urban legends about driving barefoot were true. He wrote to every state in the U.S. and received confirmation from all fifty states that driving barefoot was not illegal. His research conclusively debunked the legend but also made it clear that barefoot driving was discouraged by most states.

Indications are that driving barefoot—or with inappropriate footwear—is considered potentially dangerous in most states. Consider these scenarios that may have you paying attention to your shoes more carefully when you get behind the wheel:

• You’re driving back from a day at the beach, and your feet are bare, damp and sandy from swimming. You find it hard to control your vehicle because they keep slipping off the pedals.
• Without the traction of a good pair of sensible shoes, your bare feet are unable to apply as much force on the gas and brakes, adding seconds to your response time and causing issues when you need to suddenly brake to avoid an animal, person or object.
• You’re in a head-on accident caused by something other than your bare feet, but because you are not wearing sturdy shoes, you sustain injuries to your lower legs and feet.
• You get stopped for speeding, and the officer notices your bare feet on the pedals. Even though it’s not illegal, she feels it could be dangerous and gives you a ticket for reckless driving.

There are arguments that suggest it may be safer to drive barefoot than to drive wearing certain types of footwear that could impede your abilities, such as flip-flops or high heels. However, there are a handful of states and localities that could cite you for reckless driving or negligence if they are able to determine that barefoot driving caused an accident.

If a shoe affects the way you use the pedals or reduces your ability to gauge how hard to press down, you may want to reconsider your footwear.

Driving while wearing some of these common shoe types could also be considered dangerous:

• Open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals
• Open-heeled sandals
• High heels and wedge heels
• Thick-soled boots or shoes
• Shoes with long laces
• Shoes without traction or with slippery soles
• Slip-on shoes

For the best control while driving to regulate speed or braking, it is recommended to wear shoes with no heel or a low heel. The shoe should also have good tread with traction or some grip. The shoes should not be so thick that you have trouble controlling the pedals.

Close-toed shoes are better than open-toed shoes since gaps can cause your shoe to catch on the pedal. Shoes with long laces can be hazardous as the laces could get looped around the pedal. If you want to wear any of the shoes listed above, it is a good idea to bring a safe pair of shoes along to just wear while you are driving to your destination.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you drive in high heels?
  

  It is not illegal to drive in high heels, though the elevation and angle of your foot could affect your driving ability. If you cause an accident or get pulled over, it could be considered careless or distracted driving. While driving in heels is not illegal, other penalties could affect your driving record in the event of an accident. Additionally, high heels may not be an ideal choice of footwear if you were to break down or get into an accident that required you to exit your vehicle. If you’re wearing heels, it is generally considered a good practice to bring a spare pair of shoes with you to wear while driving.

• Can you drive in socks?
  

  Yes, you can legally drive in socks. However, just as with wearing high heels or flip-flops, you may not have the same reaction time or control over the pedals while driving in socks. It could be risky to drive in socks if it affects your ability to drive safely. You also increase the likelihood of an accident if one of your socks snags on a pedal, which could cause you to accelerate or brake in an unsafe manner. In situations like this, it is potentially more dangerous to drive in socks than it is barefoot.

• What are the best shoes for driving?
  

  The best shoes for driving have no heel or a low heel, with good traction on the sole. They are rigid enough to support your foot thoroughly, so that you may avoid injury in an accident. If your shoes have laces, they should be tied securely with loose ends tucked in. Shoes should be comfortable so that it doesn’t hurt you to apply pressure to the brake or accelerator. Non-flammable shoes are a plus, as well, to help you stay safe if there is an engine fire. Two types of shoes that are well-suited for driving are sneakers and loafers.

• Can you drive barefoot on a motorcycle?
  

  In most states, laws regarding driving barefoot apply equally to motorcycles and cars. So, is it illegal to drive barefoot on a motorcycle? No, though it may be unsafe. Two exceptions are Alabama and Alaska, where motorcyclists must wear footwear of some type. Keep in mind that, even if it isn’t illegal in your state, driving barefoot on a motorcycle is especially dangerous since you may need to put your feet on the ground while operating it.

• How do I find cheap car insurance?
  

  Insurers use factors that are unique to you and your vehicle when determining rates, so a carrier who gives your neighbor a great rate may not be able to do the same for you. To find the cheapest car insurance for your needs, consider asking for quotes for the same types and levels of coverage from several insurers with a reputation for writing cheap policies. Most insurers allow you to obtain a quote quickly and easily on their website; however, you may not be able to take advantage of discounts for which you qualify without speaking to an agent. You may also want to take customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power into consideration, as well. Once you have a range of quotes, you can choose the best option for the coverage you need, the customer service you seek and the price you can afford.