Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Florida?

Can you drive barefoot in Florida? This is a widespread question in a state known for its warm weather and fabulous beaches. The answer is no. It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Florida in any vehicle.

No state has laws against driving a car or truck while barefoot. However, if you ask is it illegal to drive without shoes on a motorcycle in Alabama, the answer would be yes. Alabama is the only state to have a law on record regarding footwear and driving, and it only pertains to those operating a motorcycle.

Driving While Barefoot May Be A Smart Choice In Some Cases

We encourage everyone not to ask the question, “is it legal to drive barefoot in Florida” or “is driving barefoot illegal in Florida” but instead, “when is driving barefoot a smarter choice?”

Many types of shoes may make driving a little more difficult. For instance, driving with flip-flops can be dangerous as these shoes tend to slip off the feet easily and get tangled up in the gas and brake pedals. This can lead to an accident because you cannot use the pedals properly.

So while the answers to the questions “is it illegal to drive with flip flops in Florida” and ” is it illegal to drive without shoes in Florida” are both no; it is not illegal, it’s also not the safe choice.

Driving with sandals can also be a challenge because the open toe can get stuck on the pedals’ edges and cause you to misuse them. Other types of shoes that may cause issues are high-heeled shoes and shoes with non-traction bottoms.

It is never recommended that you operate a vehicle in socks unless they have the traction bottom on them. Socks are too slippery and can result in your feet slipping while operating your vehicle.

Things To Remember If You Choose To Drive Barefoot

Is it legal to drive barefoot in Florida – yes – but only if you drive safely. It is important that if you drive barefoot that your footwear is not down on the floorboard near the pedals when you are driving. If you are going to slip your shoes off, do it safely and keep your shoes off to the side.

If you are involved in an accident and are driving barefoot, you have not broken any laws. However, if you are involved in an accident, and the driver’s floorboard is cluttered with shoes, the police officer may cite you for reckless driving and being at fault for the accident.

3 Tips About Driving Barefoot

You should always remember three things if you decide that you are going to drive barefoot.

1. If you find that you are having difficulty driving with the shows you are wearing, pull over, and stop to remove your shoes. Trying to remove your shoes while driving could lead to an accident, and you may be charged with distracted driving. Leaving your shoes on the floorboard where they could become entangled in the pedals could also lead to a charge of reckless driving.
2. If you are going to wear shoes that make it difficult to drive, such as high heels, open-toed sandals, or flip flops, it may be a better choice to wear good driving shoes such as tennis shoes or those with traction on the bottom, until you arrive at your destination.
3. Always keep your floorboard area clear of shoes or other debris. This ensures that your pedals are never hindered when you need to use them.

Florida Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in an accident where the other driver’s footwear was one of the causes for the accident, speak with a car accident attorney at Landau Law about your rights to seek compensation. Contact us today!

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