Hey any layers or policemen out there: Is it illegal to drive barefoot?

Question

This is a weird one I heard about from ny mother I think? What's the deal?

Answer 1

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... 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.

Answer 2

* In the United States, widespread belief in the existence of laws against driving barefoot has been debunked as an urban legend. Members of the Society for Barefoot Living wrote letters to the highway patrols of all 50 states and were told by officials in each state that driving barefoot was not illegal.

Answer 3

In most states the answer is YES. This is by statute, as well as by common law. The reason for it is the possibility of injury for the driver. In Alaska it is a traffic offense - you can frost bite if you drive barefoot, especially if you don't have boots/shoes with you and get stuck in the snow.

Answer 4

Yes it is illegal to drive barefoot because if you are in an accident and need to get out of the car you could create problems and if the vehicle starts on fire your feet are more likely to suffer injuries.

Answer 5

Urban legend!

Like "creeping with the intent to mope" (driving too slow.)

Answer 6

Yes in California it is. I guess they figure you can hurt your foot and freak out and wreck the car

Answer 7

Yes, I heard it too.

Answer 8

nope