Is it legal to drive a car barefoot?

Question

Is it legal to drive a car barefoot?

Answer 1

I almost got a ticket for that in NY back in the day ,35 yrs ago so I would say no it is not legal

Answer 2

In spite of persistent myths in the US, there are NO laws against driving barefoot in ANY state. Unfortunately, this myth is so common that even some cops believe it... but everyone who believes this please see source and stop spreading this falsity.

Some cops are convinced it's unsafe and even though they know it's not illegal may try to write you up for unsafe or reckless driving, however please see the second and third link in the source, for two sites (one from the Michigan PD, one from an Australian newspaper) making it clear that driving barefoot is no more unsafe than many types of footwear that are regularly worn and could even be considered safer than many kinds of shoes.

Of course you should also think of what you are used to; personally I haven't worn footwear for eleven years. Driving with any kind of shoe would feel like handling the steering wheel with boxing gloves, a pebble won't faze me and I wouldn't worry about having to walk if my car breaks down. On the other extreme end I have a friend who can't walk comfortably barefoot on indoor tile, he'd probably pull back if there was even the smallest pebble, caked mud or other irregularity on the brake pedal, and he'd never be able to walk home if he didn't have shoes. Use a bit of common sense in addition to what the laws and the experts say, anything that's totally opposite from everything you're used to is likely to be a distraction and make you clumsy with your feet.

Answer 3

I hope it is legal to drive barefoot because I do it all the time!

Answer 4

yes it is,despite myths

Answer 5

In itself it is not illegal - however the onus is on the driver to be able to prove they were in proper control of the motor vehicle.

Driving barefoot could impede this severly.

Don't do it.

Answer 6

As long as you can maintain control of your car, sure.

Answer 7

i looked all through the laws in my state,,,sez nothing so its ok in Virginia.

Answer 8

no it is not illegal anywhere in the US to drive a car barefoot.  its some urban legand that says no, but its not.

I drive barefoot often especially if I'm wearing flip flops.  I just slip those off and kick them under my seat.  those things can be dangerous to drive with and its actually safer barefoot than driving with flip flops.

I get a lot better feedback from my car driving a 5-speed barefoot than with my shoes

Answer 9

yes I drive barefoot all the time more comfortable and it feels good not to have shoes and socks on

Answer 10

Yes it is legal in all states........

Answer 11

Legal in every state in the US.

It can be argued that it is safer to drive barefoot than driving while wearing sandals, flip flops or high heeled shoes. Or shoes with an extremely smooth sole. Or wet shoes.

You can "get a better feel and hold" of the pedals barefoot than with any of the above.

As to driving barefoot in the winter - I don't think I have ever seen a law about driving while cold.

Answer 12

It's not illegal, but for it isn't recommended and even considered unsafe in some cases, especially for new drivers.

Some people have a penchant for living a barefoot lifestyle and driving would be part of that.

It isn't considered safe, because your foot bends quite a bit and could slide off a pedal. You could even twist or injure your foot or ankle in an emergency situation. Wearing flipflops is also dangerous because of the possibility of slipping off a pedal.

There is a lot of controversy about this. Many trucking companies and other employers frown on barefoot driving due to safety issues, etc.

Your choice!

Wear I live we have Winter, and barefoot would NOT be the way to drive..........brrrrrrr, and cold feet besides!