Driving Barefoot?

[Giller]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

Not sure why, but driving barefoot is illegal in many places. Might need to check your local laws so you don't get a tack-on to your next ticket. And I recall an officer telling me once that flipflops didn't meet the criteria. Didn't upset me much cause I could never drive in those things. Prefer tight fitting shoes with minimal sole overhang.

My understanding is that this is a total myth. Some of our more knowledgeable members may correct me - but I do not believe it is illegal anywhere to drive barefoot. Now - whether on a personal level if you got pulled over and a cop THOUGHT it was unsafe - you might get a ticket, but you could easily fight it in court since again, there is no law against it. Laws simply state you must drive safe and be in control of your vehicle.

[Paul]

From (updated 2010)

Is it illegal to drive without shoes? - DMV Answers

Traffic Laws Regulating Shoes
This is one of the few traffic laws every state agrees upon. Shoes are not required to operate a vehicle. Every state permits barefoot driving. There are no laws or ordinances prohibiting hitting the gas and brake pedals with naked feet, resulting, if caught, in a traffic ticket and/or citation.

The closest law prohibiting barefoot driving comes from Alabama, which states: "Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. Exception: motorcycle rider."

Lawmakers in Ohio, Wyoming, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana allow barefoot driving but recommend against it, citing this practice as unsafe, a car crash waiting to happen.

The choice is yours. Drive however you see fit. As long as you practice safe driving habits, it does not matter if you're wearing shoes, flip-flops, or going barefoot.