Driving barefoot in Hawaii is not illegal. There are no state laws or Honolulu municipal codes that prohibit operating a motor vehicle without shoes or while wearing flip-flops (locally known as “slippahs”)—both are legal choices for drivers in Hawaii. This is a common misconception, but in reality, driving barefoot is legal in all 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii.
- No Law Against Barefoot Driving: You cannot be ticketed solely for driving barefoot or in flip-flops in Hawaii.
- Safety Considerations: While legal, driving barefoot or in loose footwear like flip-flops may not be the safest option. Bare feet or loose shoes can slip off pedals or reduce your control, potentially increasing accident risk.
- Accidents and Liability: If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, you could still be cited for careless or negligent driving if your lack of proper footwear contributed to the incident, but not for the act of barefoot driving itself.
Local Advice
- Many Hawaii residents regularly drive barefoot or in slippahs, and law enforcement does not issue citations for this alone.
- Police may remind you of safety risks but cannot ticket you just for not wearing shoes while driving.
Bottom Line
It is legal to drive barefoot in Hawaii. However, for your safety and the safety of others, consider wearing secure, closed-toe shoes to maintain the best control of your vehicle.
“Both are legal — Honolulu resident on driving barefoot or in slippahs
If you’re curious about driving regulations in other states, the same rule applies: barefoot driving is legal everywhere in the U.S.
Sources:
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g60982-i38-k4689950-Is_it_legal_to_drive_barefoot_or_in_slippahs-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
- https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
- https://www.myimprov.com/barefoot-driving-legal-but-not-recommended/