No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in Delaware. There are no state laws that prohibit driving a car without shoes in Delaware or in any other state in the U.S. This is a common misconception, often perpetuated by safety concerns or myths passed down through families and driver education.
What Delaware Law Says
- Legal Status: Driving barefoot is explicitly permitted in Delaware. You will not be ticketed simply for not wearing shoes while driving.
- No Specific Footwear Requirements: Delaware does not require drivers to wear any particular type of footwear when operating a vehicle.
Safety and Liability Considerations
- Safety Risks: While it’s legal, driving barefoot is generally discouraged by safety experts. Bare feet may reduce your grip and control on the pedals, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.
- Accidents and Reckless Driving: If you are involved in an accident and law enforcement determines that being barefoot contributed to the crash or impaired your control of the vehicle, you could be cited for reckless or negligent driving—even though barefoot driving itself isn’t illegal.
- Footwear Hazards: Loose shoes, flip-flops, or sandals can also be dangerous if they slip off or get stuck under the pedals. Many experts consider barefoot driving safer than driving in these types of shoes, but the safest option is a secure, closed-toe shoe.
Motorcycles
- The law for cars applies to motorcycles as well: there is no Delaware law requiring motorcyclists to wear footwear, but it is highly recommended for safety.
Summary Table
| Driving Barefoot in Delaware | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Yes | No law against it; discouraged for safety reasons |
| Motorcycle | Yes | No law against it; highly discouraged for safety |
| Accident while barefoot | N/A | Could be cited for reckless driving if barefoot contributed to crash |
It is legal to drive barefoot in Delaware, but it’s best to wear secure, closed-toe shoes for safety. If barefoot driving is found to have contributed to an accident, you may face additional legal or insurance consequences—even though the act itself is not illegal.
Sources:
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
- https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
- https://www.drivesafeonline.org/traffic-school/legal-drive-barefoot/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/