Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot?

Driving in uncomfortable shoes is never a fun thing to do. Whether you are wearing high heels or a new pair of dress shoes, sometimes driving barefoot is a better option that doesn’t inhibit your focus while you are on the road. 

While it may seem like a weird thing to do, driving barefoot is a simple solution to comfortably drive to your destination without having to deal with the uncomfortable pair of shoes you decided to wear for the day. However, the question has to be asked: Is it illegal to drive barefoot?

Are There Any Laws About Driving Barefoot?

There are no specific laws anywhere in the United States that prohibit the act of driving barefoot, however, if you get into an accident and the cause of it was due to driving barefoot, you can be held liable for the accident.

On top of that, you can be charged with reckless driving as per California Vehicle Code 23103 and be potentially punished by imprisonment up to 90 days and be charged with a fine up to $1,000. 

So if you choose to drive barefoot, it is important that you take all necessary safety measures to decrease your chances of getting into a car accident.

Why Do People Say It’s Illegal to Drive Barefoot?

People think driving barefoot is illegal, because many states discourage the act due to safety concerns that may occur when you are driving. 

While it is a popular misconception that driving barefoot is illegal, the concerns behind this misconception is entirely valid as any number of accidents can occur when you are driving barefoot. In addition, if you get into a car accident, you are more susceptible to sustaining injuries to your feet and may affect your ability to walk for the foreseeable future. 

Do You Have to Wear Certain Shoes to Drive?

You can wear any shoe you want when you are driving, whether it is high heels, sandals, or crocs. However, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes that give you proper control of the acceleration and brake, because loose or stylish footwear such as sandals and high heels will likely affect your ability to drive and can prevent you from properly braking while you are on the road.

Dangers of Driving Barefoot 

While driving barefoot is not illegal, it can potentially cause some problems on the road if you are not careful enough. For instance, if you decide to take off your shoes or sandals while driving your footwear can get stuck within gaps in the accelerator and brake and prevent your ability to appropriately control the speed of your vehicle. 

Additionally, if your car is dirty you could potentially step on something that could hurt your foot while driving. Depending on the severity of the injury it can result in a car accident where you can be held liable for damages. So if you choose to drive barefoot, it is important that you make sure your car is clean and that there are no objects that can have an impact on your driving.   

What Should I Do If I Get Into An Accident While Driving Barefoot?

If you have been involved in a car accident while driving barefoot, it is important to assess the scope of the accident and document the accident as much as possible with photos, videos, and if applicable, police reports and witness statements. Once you have documented the accident and filed a claim with your insurance provider, you can choose to hire a car accident attorney to help you with your case.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our legal team can help you with your car accident and make sure you are properly represented. Contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and talented legal team.