Driving Barefoot: Is It Legal?

Admit it. At one time or another, we’ve all done something that had us running to a search engine later on asking, “Was this legal?” Oftentimes, these are purely inconsequential acts such as accidentally double parking or unknowingly wandering onto private property. With so many laws, it’s easy to have questions about certain acts that, while arguably mischievous, might not rise to the seriousness of a crime. For many, the act of driving barefoot can fall into this category.

The good news is that driving a motor vehicle while barefoot is not considered illegal under state driving laws. While not illegal to drive without shoes, some state legislatures have condemned the act as unsafe for risk of injury.

On the other hand, some state law enforcement may consider driving barefoot to be safer than driving with certain types of shoes that are more at risk of getting stuck under the brake pedal or gas pedal—for example, flip-flops, wedge heels, or shoes with long laces that can trip you up. The fact that the operator of a vehicle was barefoot at the time of the accident can be legally operative in criminal reckless driving cases or civil suits.

The Legality of Driving Barefoot: A Look at State Laws

If you have driven barefoot but kept that information locked inside out of fear you’ve committed a crime, you can likely take a huge sigh of relief right about now. Driving barefoot is typically not a violation of any traffic laws, and many states don’t even have statutory language on the matter one way or the other.

Still, some states have noted safety hazards and risk of personal injury, advocating for safe driving practices at all times. These legislators drafting state laws have likely never had to drive in high heels.

Below is a list covering where some state congresses and municipalities have landed on the matter of driving barefoot. If your state isn’t listed below, you can assume it either endorses the practice or currently doesn’t have a statute discussing the matter:

• Alabama: It is legal to operate a motor vehicle barefoot. However, it is illegal to operate a motorcycle barefoot.
• Arizona: It is legal to drive barefoot, but can cited as a contributing factor should you be involved in an accident at the time. This can potentially lead to both criminal and civil penalties.  
• Arkansas: It is legal to drive barefoot, but can cited as a contributing factor should you be involved in an accident at the time. This can potentially lead to both criminal and civil penalties.  
• California: It is legal to drive barefoot, but can cited as a contributing factor should you be involved in an accident at the time. This can potentially lead to both criminal and civil penalties.  
• Indiana: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.
• Iowa: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.
• Missouri: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.
• Nevada: It is legal to drive barefoot, but can cited as a contributing factor should you be involved in an accident at the time. This can potentially lead to both criminal and civil penalties.  
• Ohio: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.
• Tennessee: It is not illegal at the state level, but is prohibited by local regulation in some counties.
• Virginia: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.
• Wyoming: It is not illegal to drive while barefoot, but the state condemns the act as unsafe.

Finding Legal Help if You’re Facing Driving-Related Charges

Remember the above scenario where you were driving in sandals? Suppose you slid those sandals off and, for a few brief moments, enjoyed the comfort of barefoot driving. Now suppose that your delightful afternoon drive was interrupted by an unfortunate fender bender. If you’re in a state like Nevada, the fact that you were driving while barefoot could have legal consequences.

If you have questions involving your own legal situation, there is never a bad time to consult with an experienced traffic attorney.