No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in Georgia. Despite a common myth, there is no state law prohibiting drivers from operating a car or truck without shoes. In fact, driving barefoot is legal in all 50 states, including Georgia.
What Georgia Law Actually Says
- No statute requires footwear: Georgia’s traffic laws do not mandate that drivers wear shoes while operating standard vehicles like cars, trucks, or vans.
- Motorcycle exception: The only exception in Georgia is for motorcycles. State law requires both drivers and passengers on motorcycles to wear shoes—socks alone do not count. Riding a motorcycle barefoot is illegal.
Safety and Liability Considerations
- Safety concerns: While legal, driving barefoot can be riskier than driving with proper shoes. Bare feet may slip off the pedals, especially if wet or sweaty, and offer less protection in the event of an accident.
- Potential liability: If you are involved in an accident and police or insurance investigators determine that barefoot driving contributed to the crash, you could be cited for reckless or careless driving. This could also affect your compensation in a civil case due to Georgia’s comparative negligence rules.
Police and Official Guidance
- Law enforcement agencies and the Georgia Department of Driver Services confirm there are no penalties for driving barefoot in a car. However, they recommend wearing secure, well-fitted shoes for safety.
- You cannot be ticketed solely for being barefoot behind the wheel of a car or truck.
Summary Table
| Vehicle Type | Barefoot Driving Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car/Truck/Van | Yes | Legal, but not always advisable for safety |
| Motorcycle | No | Shoes required by law; socks alone not sufficient |
You can legally drive barefoot in Georgia in cars and trucks, but not on motorcycles. While not against the law, driving without shoes may increase your risk of accidents and could affect liability if you’re involved in a crash. For safety, it’s best to wear proper footwear when driving.
Sources:
- https://jewkesfirm.com/blog/10-driving-laws-in-georgia-that-may-surprise-you/
- https://www.hasnerlaw.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-atlanta/
- https://www.bourne.law/blog/barefoot-driving
- https://hawklawgroup.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-georgia/
- https://www.scottevansnissanusa.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/