In the state of sunshine and sand, many individuals hold a common belief that it is illegal to drive barefoot in Florida. But, if you’re someone who prefers to hop into your car and drive home, sand between your toes after a day at the beach, you can do so without worrying about breaking the law. The truth is, there are no traffic laws in Florida that explicitly prohibit drivers from going shoeless behind the wheel. So, the next time someone exclaims, “isn’t it illegal to drive barefoot in Florida, and shouldn’t you be putting on your shoes!?” you can safely say you’re not breaking any laws.
Why Do So Many Floridians Believe It’s Illegal to Drive Barefoot?
Like many misconceptions, the origin of why so many believe it is illegal to drive barefoot in Florida, is hazy at best. The most likely source of this myth is that some states do have specific laws against driving without shoes, and while Florida is not one of them, it’s super easy to mistakenly assume that all states have similar restrictions. A great example of this is with Alabama and Alaska, which delineate that while driving a motor vehicle barefoot is permitted, that motorcyclists must wear proper footwear.
Other reasons for this belief could be from hearsay - perhaps someone heard about someone else getting pulled over for driving barefoot and assumed that this was illegal and the reason they were pulled over, or they simply learned that driving with proper footwear is safer, and so driving without seems unusual, strange, or subconsciously accepted as required. In any case, the majority of states highly discourage driving barefoot, even though it’s legal to do so.
Why Is Driving Barefoot Not Recommended?
While it technically isn’t illegal, driving without shoes or with open-toed shoes can be dangerous and can increase the risk of getting into a car accident. Here are some things to consider as safety risks if you plan to hop into your vehicle barefooted:
1. You need to have enough weight and traction to press down accurately and quickly with enough force, which can be difficult when you’re not wearing any shoes. Without adequate traction from your shoes, you can accidentally press down too hard or not enough on the pedals, resulting in an uncontrollable vehicle or delayed braking.
2. Moreover, wet surfaces or other contaminants on the road, combined with the diminished skill to feel and control the pedals, can result in dangerous slip hazards for those driving without shoes.
3. Plus, if something were to happen while you’re driving (such as an accident or a breakdown) going barefoot could cause serious foot injuries due to broken glass or other debris on the road.
4. If you choose to wear open-toed shoes such as flip-flops or sandals and take these off in the car without moving them to a different area of the vehicle, they can become a hazard themselves. In the event that you make a very wide turn, or need to slam on your brakes, your shoes could become lodged under the pedals and impede your ability to accelerate and stop safely.
So, even though it isn’t illegal to drive barefoot in Florida, wearing shoes is still strongly recommended for maximum safety.
What About Wearing Open-Toed Shoes Instead of Going Barefoot?
While you can definitely choose to wear an open-toed shoe for driving, these present just as much a safety risk as going barefoot. For example, open-toed footwear such as flip-flops or sandals can be dangerous while driving because they can increase foot fatigue as they don’t provide enough support to your feet, causing them to ache after extended periods of driving. Additionally, these types of shoes are made from lighter materials such as plastic, synthetic leathers, and cloth, so they don’t provide enough cushioning or stability for your feet when you go to press down the pedals. As a result, you may find yourself losing focus on the road, or pushing down harder on the pedals to depress them, leading to foot fatigue over time.
For high-heels, or wedge heels, these leave you with less traction and power to press down the pedals, and they can get looped around the pedals too, causing you to struggle with your foot to free them. If this happens when you need to break or accelerate, you could easily get yourself into an accident. Plus, these types of shoes can put your feet and legs in an unnatural position, leading to foot fatigue, not to mention that they leave you open to injury if an accident were to occur.
For these reasons, it is recommended to always wear closed-toe footwear while driving for maximum comfort and safety.
Are There Any Alternatives to Closed-Toe Shoes?
If you don’t want to wear closed-toe shoes while driving, there are still some alternatives that will provide more protection than going barefoot. Shoes with thin soles like ballet flats or moccasins can provide enough traction and protection for your feet without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, many companies now make special “driving shoes” that have thicker soles and better grip on the pedals.
What Happens If I’m In An Accident While Barefoot?
In Florida, reckless driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a manner that demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for safety, according to Florida Statutes Section 316.192. It is possible that if a police officer deems that being barefoot was the reason or cause of the accident, then you could be charged with reckless driving. Penalties for a reckless driving charge in Florida can include up to 90 days in jail and fines ranging from $25 to $500. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving due to a car accident while you were barefoot, it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide the best advice on how to defend yourself against the charge, and minimize any potential penalties.
Final Thoughts
The short answer to the question, “Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Florida,” is no. But if you do plan on driving barefoot, consider the risks before doing so. Wearing closed-toe shoes or special “driving shoes” can help ensure that your drive is as safe and as comfortable as possible. If you find yourself injured from a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights and options. Contact us here at Frank Eidson for more information on receiving compensation from the at-fault party and to have your legal rights and options explained in further detail.
