It is a common misconception that you were told to not drive barefoot in any state because it is illegal. Although it is not illegal to drive naked in any U.S. state, this common myth has been repeated many times. This urban legend has been disproven for many years.
Jason Heimbaugh, a man from the 1990s, wrote to each state’s motor vehicle department asking if it was unlawful to drive barefoot. Although it took him some time to receive a reply from each state, he finally did. He also received all the advice pertaining to driving barefoot.
Is it against the law to drive barefoot in any country?
Driving barefoot in many states is considered unsafe. Driving barefoot is illegal in many states. One handful of states have adopted a specific position on barefoot driving. These positions can be either in favor or against, as shown below.
Why is it considered illegal to drive barefoot?
The origin of the urban myth that it is illegal for a driver to drive barefoot is unknown, as is the case with many urban legends and misconceptions. Because most people drive with their shoes on, it may be that most people don’t believe that barefoot driving is safe. It is not illegal to drive barefoot, even though some states discourage it. It may be recommended in some states as an alternative to driving in unsafe shoes.
If someone is involved in an auto accident and is found to be driving barefoot, they may be charged with reckless driving or negligence. Safe driving habits are the best way to avoid accidents. This includes paying attention and steering clear of distractions.
Driving barefoot could pose a safety risk.
It is legal to drive barefoot. However, there is a safety risk. Some states recommend wearing proper footwear. Consider these things when considering the safety risks of driving barefoot.
- Bare feet can slide off the pedal faster than shoes, especially when they are wet.
- It is possible to not apply the same amount of braking force with bare feet, as when wearing shoes.
- You could be charged with distracted driving, particularly if you are driving barefoot and cause an accident. If a police officer suspects that you were driving barefoot, you could be ticketed.
- If you are involved in an accident, or any other type of incident, your bare feet can increase the risk of injury and may limit your ability quickly to flee to safety.
Is driving barefoot more dangerous than driving with shoes on?
Driving in certain shoes can be more dangerous than driving in normal shoes. You might want to consider changing your footwear if it affects how you use the pedals, or your ability to determine how hard you press down.
Driving with these types of shoes could prove more dangerous than driving barefoot.
- Flip-flops
- Open heeled sandals
- High heels
- Wedge heels
- Shoes or boots with thick soles
- Shoes with long laces
- Shoes with no traction or slippery soles
- Open toed shoes
- Slip on shoes
Shoes with no heel or low heels are recommended for driving to ensure the most control. Shoes should have tread that has traction or grip. The shoes shouldn’t be too thick as this could make it difficult to control the pedals. Open toe shoes are preferable to closed toed ones. Gaps can cause your shoes to catch on the pedal. Shoes with long laces could impede your foot’s movement and get tangled around the pedal. For safety reasons, it may be necessary to bring a pair of shoes that are safer for the duration of the drive.
Questions frequently asked
Do you have insurance if you drive barefoot or barefoot?
It is legal to drive without shoes. Insurance will cover you if you are driving barefoot. Driving barefoot may be linked to an accident. Depending on the coverage of your policy, the financial protection for at-fault drivers could vary.
Are you able to drive with high heels?
Although it is legal to drive with high heels, the angle and elevation of your feet could impact your driving abilities. You could be charged with careless or distracted driving if you cause an accident, or are pulled over. Driving in heels isn’t illegal but other penalties can be applied to your driving record in case of an accident.
Are you able to drive in socks?
You can legally drive with socks. You may have a slower reaction time and less control while driving in socks, just like wearing flip-flops or high heels. If you are unable to drive safely, it could be dangerous to drive in socks.
Which shoes are best for driving?
Different people may have different preferences when it comes to the best driving shoes. A shoe without a heel or with a low heel is better than a high-heeled or wedge shoe. Shoes with thick soles can reduce the feel of the pedal underfoot. Short laces are preferred, so make sure to tie them securely before you drive.
