Is it illegal to drive barefoot? What to know before driving your car without shoes
A long day of driving, a heat wave, and a beach trip are a few reasons why people may decide to drive barefoot. But is it legal?
Drivers have claimed they cruise around shoeless as it helps them have better control of the gas and brake pedals than if they wore shoes or boots. An expert told Paste BN that while barefoot may feel more comfortable, the practice can be dangerous.
"People need to be aware of the state laws on operating a motor vehicle in the states they're driving in or through," said AAA Senior Automotive Manager David Bennett.
Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
Barefoot driving is legal in all 50 states. The Missouri Highway Patrol said in certain cases, driving barefoot is safer as opposed to with heeled shoes or thin flip-flops. Missouri Highway Patrol Capt. Scott White confirmed it's still legal to drive barefoot.
But motorcyclists and "motor-driven cyclists" in Alabama must wear shoes while driving and riding the vehicle.
How can driving barefoot affect your safety
Being comfortable while driving is always a top priority. But Bennett said not to forgo footwear as a small slip-up could cause an accident.
"If your feet are bare and you try to apply pressure to the pedals, your foot can easily slip on the pedals," he said. "It may not apply pressure evenly and you can injure a toe."
For motorcyclists, Bennett said the danger isn't just driving the vehicle — road debris can fly up and injure the riders' feet. People who ride vehicles without doors should wear shoes as well, he added.
Drivers should wear closed-toe shoes, Bennett suggested. Flip flops can be dangerous as the shoes could slip on the pedals and get stuck, according to Las Vegas-based Northwest Driving School.
Is driving shirtless legal?
Consumer legal site ConsumerShield said driving shirtless is a legal gray area as no state bans the practice explicitly, though a person could be cited for violating laws and local ordinances on public indecency.
Is it legal to drive with cabin lights on?
Insurance broker and comparison website Policygenius said that while driving with cabin lights on in every state is legal, it can pose a safety risk at night and make it difficult to see the road.
Is it legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck?
It varies by state.
Nonprofit organization Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said riding in a pickup truck bed is legal in 21 states. Other states allow traveling in the open space or have special circumstances on when people can ride in a pickup truck bed.
But it's dangerous to do so, Bennett added, as passengers can get hit by road debris or, in a worst-case scenario, be seriously injured in an accident. Slow-moving parades are safe due to speeds but cruising down the street any faster is risky behavior.
Bennett encouraged drivers to stay alert on the roads and focus only on driving while in a vehicle.
"You want to make sure any time you're operating a vehicle, you're comfortable, doing it safely and focused on the one task at hand: driving from point A to point B and putting your phone down," Bennett said.
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Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X @KrystalRNurse, and on BlueSky @krystalrnuse.bsky.social.