Driving barefoot in Maine is not illegal. There is no state law prohibiting motorists from operating a vehicle without shoes or sandals. This means you are legally allowed to drive barefoot anywhere in the state.
Important Details and Conditions
- No Explicit Ban: Maine has no statute forbidding barefoot driving, so you cannot be ticketed solely for not wearing shoes while behind the wheel.
- Potential Liability: If you are involved in an accident and it is determined that driving barefoot contributed to the cause—such as losing control of the pedals due to slippery or wet feet—you could be cited under Maine’s distracted driving law. In such cases, fines start at $50 for a first offense and can rise to $250 for repeat offenses.
- Safety Concerns: While legal, authorities and safety experts caution that barefoot driving can be less safe. Without shoes, your feet might slip off the pedals or make it harder to apply pressure, increasing the risk of an accident.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe driving barefoot is illegal, but this is an urban myth. In fact, it is legal to drive barefoot in all 50 states, including Maine.
Summary Table
| Action | Legal in Maine? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving barefoot | Yes | Legal, but can lead to distracted driving citation if an accident occurs |
| Driving in flip-flops | Yes | Legal, but discouraged for safety reasons |
| Driving barefoot causes accident | No (not legal) | You may be cited under distracted driving laws |
You are allowed to drive barefoot in Maine, but if your lack of footwear contributes to unsafe driving or an accident, you may face penalties under distracted driving laws. For optimal safety and to avoid potential fines, it’s best to wear secure, closed-toe shoes when driving.
Sources:
- https://wcyy.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maine/
- https://b985.fm/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maine/
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/