Is Driving Barefoot Illegal?

Despite what you may have heard, you can legally drive without shoes in every U.S. state. But operating a motor vehicle with your bare feet may present potential hazards.

While it may be tempting to kick off your shoes the next time you go for a drive during the warmer months, if you get into an accident and the authorities determine your lack of footwear to be a factor, you could face reckless driving charges.^[1]

Here’s what you need to know about driving barefoot and staying safe on the road.

Is driving barefoot against the law?

Technically, driving barefoot is legal. No U.S. states have laws expressly prohibiting barefoot driving.^[2]

But if you’re in an accident in some states — like Arizona, Arkansas, California, or Nevada — you could face fines or criminal charges if the police determine that your lack of footwear contributed to the crash.

States that discourage driving barefoot

Driving barefoot isn’t illegal, but many states recommend against it. States including Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming all condemn the act as unsafe. Alabama and Utah both explicitly recommend against it:

• Alabama: “No one is permitted to operate a motorcycle or ride a motorcycle unless the person is wearing shoes. The section does not apply to anyone riding within an enclosed cab.”

• Utah: “Utah law does not require that shoes be worn while operating a motor vehicle. However, common sense should prevail and shoes should be worn. It is much easier and safer to operate a vehicle while wearing shoes.”

Barefoot driving and motorcycles

Though you can legally drive a car without shoes, operating a motorcycle without shoes is illegal in many states. California motorcyclists can legally drive motorcycles barefoot, but Alabama motorcyclists and passengers must wear footwear.

Motorcycles leave the rider exposed, unlike regular cars. Motorcyclists only have the protection of their clothes and protective wear in an accident. Riding barefoot could lead to severe injury in the event of an accident.

Risks of driving barefoot

It may be tempting to drive without your shoes, but it’s generally considered unsafe to do so. While not necessarily illegal, law enforcement agencies and auto insurance companies don’t recommend driving a car or motorcycle while barefoot.

If you leave your discarded shoes on the floor near your feet, they could get stuck under your pedals during your drive and make it harder for you to use your brake or gas pedal. And if this results in an accident or causes damages, you could face reckless driving charges in some states.

Other risks of driving barefoot include:

• Your feet could slip off the pedals.

• You need greater pressure to brake and accelerate, which could lead to dangerous driving.

• The pedals could be hot to bare feet.

• There’s a greater risk of injury to your feet in an accident.

What shoes are dangerous for driving?

Potentially dangerous shoes for driving include high heels and flip-flops — making it understandable that you may want to take them off before driving. You should consider keeping an extra pair of more practical footwear in the car just for driving, such as sneakers or other supportive shoes.

Ideally, you’ll want to drive wearing shoes that stay on your feet and provide ankle support. Wearing the right shoes to drive can be especially helpful if you need to act quickly or slam on your brakes in an emergency situation. But if you do need to wear high heels or flip-flops while driving, consider switching to a more practical option, such as heels with a lower heel or sandals with straps.

Will driving barefoot increase your car insurance rates?

Driving barefoot will affect your rates if you’re in an at-fault accident. Driving barefoot makes you more susceptible to reckless behavior because your feet are more likely to slip off the pedals or not apply the right pressure when braking or accelerating. These factors all increase the risk of an at-fault accident.

Drivers with an accident on their record pay an average of $206 per month, compared to drivers with clean records, who pay $158.

In the event of an accident, if law enforcement determines that your lack of footwear was a contributing factor, you’ll likely receive a fine or citation. This can also increase your rates and qualify you as a high-risk driver with your insurer.

Additionally, if driving barefoot contributed to the accident, your car insurance company may deny your claim. You could potentially even be on the hook for a personal injury lawsuit if you severely injure someone in an accident.

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Alternatives to driving barefoot

Whether you find it more comfortable or feel like you have more control, you may drive barefoot for many reasons. But it can be risky, so it’s important to know what other options you have. 

• Keep a driving pair of shoes in your car. If you wear high heels regularly and find them difficult to drive in, consider keeping a pair of comfortable flats in your car to change into. Alternatively, if you wear heavy work boots, consider keeping an old pair of sneakers in your car for driving.

• Look for driving-safe sandals. Driving in flip-flops and loose sandals is dangerous, as they can get stuck under the pedals. Look for sandals with a closed toe box and a snug fit. Or drive in safer shoes and bring your sandals to change into at your destination.

• Wear supportive shoes. Wearing comfortable shoes while driving is your best bet. But this is especially important on long drives. If you find yourself getting uncomfortable and taking off your shoes during long drives, try replacing them with a pair that has good heel and ankle support.

Driving barefoot FAQs