California Law: Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot?
What if you managed to commit a traffic violation even before you got into the car?
Many California drivers like to take their shoes off before they get behind the wheel, but no amount of great car insurance can eliminate that nagging question, “Is it illegal to drive barefoot in California?”
That fear may lead to follow-up questions, like “Why is it illegal to drive barefoot?” in the state. However, it’s important not to jump to any conclusions because the answer to this legal question may surprise you. Read on to learn more about whether wearing proper footwear behind the wheel is required.
Unveiling the Myth of Barefoot Driving in California
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of California? In short, the answer is “no.” In fact, that goes beyond this state — driving shoeless is completely legal in every single state.
Despite this, the myth that driving without shoes will get you in legal trouble persists. Every year, a new crop of drivers believes that going barefoot behind the wheel is somehow a violation of federal or state law.
Why Do People Think It’s Illegal to Drive Barefoot?
Simply put, going without wearing proper footwear is more dangerous than operating a car with a sturdy pair of shoes on your feet (even more dangerous than when first-timers are navigating the concrete jungle that is Los Angeles). And because it’s more dangerous, many people assume that it must be illegal.
What California Law Actually Says About Barefoot Driving
California has no law whatsoever against driving shoeless. If you want to jump in the car straight from the beach with all that sand on your gloriously bare feet, go right ahead! Just remember that sandy feet may be slippery feet – and you don’t want that when you need to slam on the brakes for any reason.
The Legal Landscape of Driving Without Footwear
Again, there is no federal or state law against driving without shoes in California or any other state. Many drivers think this is illegal because it is more dangerous than going for a drive while wearing proper footwear.
Because of that danger, you probably are better off avoiding barefoot driving. But, the fact remains there are no state-specific regulations against driving without wearing shoes.
Safety Considerations for Barefoot Drivers
Since it’s not illegal to drive barefoot in California, you don’t have to worry about violating any state vehicle codes by doing it. However, doing so is never recommended because you have less control when you’re behind the wheel, and this behavior can be as dangerous as checking your phone on the road.
For example, a barefoot driver may have sweaty feet, and slippery soles mean your feet could slip off the pedal at a crucial moment. That could keep you from braking on time, or your slippery feet could lead to accidental acceleration or deceleration. Furthermore, the longer you drive barefoot, the likelier you are to develop blisters and cuts that may make you a more distracted (and more dangerous) driver, making going shoeless an unsafe driving technique, even if it’s not an illegal one.
From Flip-Flops to High Heels: Footwear That Complicates Driving
It’s clear that operating a car with a lack of footwear is more dangerous than operating a vehicle while wearing shoes. However, there are certain kinds of shoes that may be just as dangerous in their own way.
For example, flip-flops may keep your sweaty feet from touching the pedals, but they don’t provide much grip, which can lead to the same dangerous loss of control as driving barefoot. Braking and accelerating are much harder, and the flip-flops may easily slip off, suddenly transforming you into a barefoot driver.
Wearing high heels isn’t much better. You may look great in them, but just as they make walking harder, they also limit foot motion and control behind the wheel. For maximum safety, bring some comfy flats — they’ll be safer for driving, and you’ll be glad to have them after a long day in heels!
Accidents and Accountability: How Driving Barefoot Can Affect You Legally
There may not be a law against barefoot driving in California, but that doesn’t mean doing so can’t land you in legal trouble. Operating a car shoeless makes you far likelier to cause an accident, one that will cost your insurer. Moreover, depending on the amount of damage you cause in the accident, you may face legal consequences because the authorities may consider your joyride without shoes as negligent behavior.
To avoid these liability issues altogether, it’s important to put on shoes before you get behind the wheel. Doing so keeps you and others on the road safe while helping you avoid potential legal consequences as well as a nasty increase in your car insurance.
Don’t Forget About Car Insurance
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of California? Now you know the answer, and you also know why (law or no law) you should keep from doing so. This helps you avoid a major insurance increase, but do you know who can help you get the best rates throughout the year?
At Cost-U-Less, we are here to keep you safe while providing the best car insurance at the most affordable prices. Ready to finally experience the killer rates and customer service you’ve been waiting for? Call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you.
