Driving barefoot in Minnesota is not illegal. There are no Minnesota state laws that require drivers to wear shoes while operating a motor vehicle. Multiple sources, including statements from Minnesota State Patrol officers, confirm that you are legally allowed to drive without footwear in the state.
Safety Considerations
While barefoot driving is legal, law enforcement and safety experts generally recommend wearing secure footwear. This is because:
- Loose sandals, flip-flops, or high heels can slip off or get caught under the pedals, potentially causing accidents.
- Driving barefoot may actually be safer than driving with certain types of shoes that can interfere with pedal control.
Potential Legal Risks
Although you won’t be ticketed just for being barefoot, general traffic laws still apply. If your choice of footwear-or lack thereof-contributes to unsafe driving or an accident, it could be considered a factor in a citation or liability in a civil case. For example, if being barefoot leads to a loss of control and a crash, it may be scrutinized as part of the investigation.
Official Guidance
Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Troy Christianson has stated:
“Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip-flops that interfere with the brake and accelerationpedals.
It is legal to drive barefoot in Minnesota. However, for your safety, it is recommended to wear secure, well-fitting shoes that provide good control over the pedals. Unsafe footwear or barefoot driving that leads to a crash could still have legal consequences under general traffic safety laws.
Sources:
- https://krocnews.com/ixp/715/p/can-you-drive-barefoot-minnesota/
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/
- https://www.meshbesher.com/news-and-updates/little-known-minnesota-driving-laws/