Can I legally drive a car barefoot?

Sheriam

I don't drive but I go barefoot always and everywhere, and I do know that 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 (and apparently, some driving instructors as one of the previous answers shows)... 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 and my feet are easily strong enough. 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.

For those naming a specific state:
Minnesota:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted.
From the letter:
Minnesota does not prohibit driving barefoot.

Ohio:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted but not recommended.
From the letter:
It is legal to drive barefoot in Ohio.
However, we do *recommend* that shoes be worn when operating a motor vehicle in our state.

California:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is not prohibited.
From the letter:
I posed you question to the California Highway Patrol, Technical Services Section and was informed California has no specified requirements relating to operation of a motor vehicle and foot wear. A review of the California Vehicle Code failed to disclose a statute or law which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while barefoot.

The Georgia resident had it right, to confirm, a recent reply after another answerer didn't believe the older source was still valid, this from April 2008:
>It is not against the law to drive barefoot in Georgia.

Ladies and Gentlemen -- it is NOT illegal in ANY State of the Union to operate a car barefoot. Not even one.

Please look up your state's driving laws and you will see that while you THINK it is illegal, it actually is not.

But, unlike most folks on YA, I am willing to be proven wrong when wrong, so if you DO find a statute in your state that prohibits driving barefoot, then please post the link. : )

But you won't find one -- it is one of those "myths" that simply don't exist.

Headtater

Even if you can't how would they tell?

â€¢Poppyâ€¢ Wait&See

Wow. I had no idea it was illegal!

Here, I do it when I am wearing flip flops, it's just safer, because the shoe doesnt get caught under the brake or anything.

If you are wearing sandals or flip flops, you probably could get away with it, if you get pulled over, just slip the shoe on quickly...they cant see your feet anyway.

Atlanta Braves fan

yes I drive barefoot most of the time

Chevyonka

I do it all the time here is wisconsin, they cant see my feet....

UCANTCME

It's fine to drive barefoot. In spite of persistent myths, there are NO laws against driving barefoot. Unfortunately, this myth is so common that even some cops believe it.

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.

Alpha Male

depends on the state law. Look up your traffic violations for you state.

barefootinquisitor2

yes,i do it almost daily

what.

only if you talk on the phone and drink coffee at the same time

bam bam is single

in some states i think u can here isn georgia

markar

Hello,,No,,but you can get a pair of dinky driving shoes,,that way you'll have something more comfortable to wear.

Reaperâ„¢

Not in any state, it's a federal law that you cannot operate any licensed vehicle without shoes...that includes motorcycles and mopeds.

kenbgray

No you can't drive barefooted in any state.

StanS

Not in California.

logicalgal

It's illegal everywhere I know.
Think about your hand.......It has many little bones and joints which allow it to move, bend, flex, etc.
Your foot has similar structure, and so, if you use your bare foot to drive, those moveable joints and bones in your foot won't have the same control on the brake and the accelerator as having a solid structure under your foot......i.e. the sole of a shoe.........it's flat, straight and yet allows your foot to bend a bit.......wearing a "supportive" shoe, therefore gives you more control of your vehicle. That does not include "flip flops" though......or any shoe without a bit of support where your foot could slip sideways and get caught on the pedals.....
I hope that information helps...

AMBER L

not in the state of ohio

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