I'm not really sure if it's illegal, but my friend just got pulled over and got a ticket for not wearing shoes while she was driving.
2007-03-27 07:49:27 · 10 answers · asked by Amanda M 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
FIGHT THE TICKET! It's NOT illegal to drive without shoes in any state in the US, nor in any other country I've heard about. Unfortunately, it's such a wide-spread myth that even some cops believe it is; however if she let it go to court rather than just paying the ticket, it should be quickly cleared up that there is no law requiring footwear when driving.
The one thing cops might argue is not just 'driving barefoot' but they could put it under careless or reckless driving. However, take a look at the first article in the source, for a quote from the Michigan State Police, that even says "an argument could be made that a barefoot person has more control over the pedals".
I've included another link from an Australian paper, saying that thin soled, low heeled shoes might be the safest option but that bare feet are definitely safer than flipflops and many types of footwear regularly worn. Also I've heard about many cops and driving instructors who've advised people to take off loose footwear and drive barefoot rather than drive with those types of shoes; I don't have links to all of these statements but I might be able to find some more if your friend thinks the two links above aren't enough to succesfully fight the ticket.
2007-03-29 02:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the place you live, but generally yes, it is illegal.
Here's why: operating a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility. When things are going well (most of the time), driving without shoes may seem fine, but in those moments of stress (avoiding an accident, or getting in one) not having shoes makes it significantly more likely that your foot will slip off the pedal, or contact a piece of metal under the dash and cause you to reflexively pull your foot away from the pain.
And, even in normal no-stress times, it's easy to catch your toenail on the pedal, or drop your heel onto a small sharp stone that got into the car and was rolling around, etc. -- and end up causing an accident as your unconscious pain response overrides your conscious driving.
Finally, shoes (good study ones, at least) provide a small amount of protection if you get into an accident, just as they provide protection from stones and glass and such when you're walking down the street. Mind you, flip-flips and whatnot don't provide protection, but the law doesn't make that distinction -- you need to use your own common sense for that one.
2007-03-27 14:59:52 · answer #2 · answered by big_bowl_of_meat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think it really is illegal. I've heard people say that since I was little, so it's been going around for at least 30 years. I read once that someone did some research and found that out of the 50 United States, only Tennessee had a law against it.
Maybe she got pulled over because she's pretty. Did the officer flirt with her?
2007-03-27 14:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by maxnull 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have always heard it was illegal, however, I have never heard of a specific law.
How did the police officer know she was not wearing shoes?
There are a lot of weird laws on the books these days. They were passed years ago and today they don't mean much. Someone may try to argue that a person without shoes has less control over the gas or brake due to slipping or hurting themselves or something. I will bet that there has never been a study to show that this is true though. Just because you have shoes on does not mean that your foot cannot slip off the gas or brake, especially when it is wet.
2007-03-27 14:54:57 · answer #4 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not Illegal-ask Fred Flinstone
2007-03-29 03:30:45 · answer #5 · answered by art_raiders 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is in South Carolina. When I was a teen - we all ran around bare foot - and spent lots of time at the beach. BUT - we always had some flip flops iin the car - in case we got pulled over!!
I think it varies from state to state. Check with your local DMV or Highway Department.
2007-03-27 14:58:28 · answer #6 · answered by liddabet 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because it's easier to miss the pedals and/or hurt your feet. Yes, it is illegal.
2007-03-27 14:53:58 · answer #7 · answered by AJ 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is in certain states check with dmv to find out where for sure.it is illegal because it is too easy for your feet to slip off the pedals espacialy if it is wet.
2007-03-27 14:53:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
because its uncomfortably
2007-03-28 16:26:15 · answer #9 · answered by Green eyes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should put some shoes on; that's gross......
2007-03-27 14:57:07 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋