Despite a persistent myth, there is no law on the books in North Carolina that prohibits driving without shoes. You cannot be ticketed solely for operating a vehicle barefoot, and law enforcement officers do not have the authority to stop or cite you just for your choice of footwear—or lack thereof.
What the Law Actually Says
- No Explicit Ban: North Carolina’s traffic laws do not require drivers to wear shoes while driving a car, truck, or even a motorcycle.
- Safety and Control: While barefoot driving is legal, you are still required to maintain safe control of your vehicle. If driving barefoot leads to an accident or causes you to lose control, you could be cited for reckless driving or failure to operate your vehicle safely.
- Insurance and Liability: If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, insurance companies may argue that your lack of footwear contributed to negligence. This could impact your ability to claim damages or defend yourself in a lawsuit.
- Commercial Drivers: There may be additional requirements for commercial drivers, as employers can mandate specific footwear for safety reasons.
Practical Considerations
- Recommended Footwear: Most driving experts and schools recommend wearing closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes for the best pedal control and safety.
- Risky Footwear: Flip-flops, sandals, high heels, and loose shoes can be more dangerous than driving barefoot, as they may slip off or get caught under the pedals.
- Reckless Driving: If an officer believes your barefoot driving contributed to unsafe behavior or an accident, you could still be cited under general reckless driving statutes—even though barefoot driving itself is not illegal.
Summary Table: Barefoot Driving in North Carolina
| Scenario | Legal Status | Possible Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Driving barefoot (no incident) | Legal | None |
| Driving barefoot, causes accident | Legal, but risky | Possible reckless driving charge |
| Driving with unsafe footwear | Legal, but risky | Possible reckless driving charge |
Driving barefoot in North Carolina is perfectly legal. However, if your lack of footwear leads to a loss of control or an accident, you could face legal and insurance consequences. For your safety and peace of mind, it’s best to wear secure, slip-resistant shoes when behind the wheel.
Sources:
- https://www.cblawnc.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-nc/
- https://brittattorney.com/4-driving-myths-in-north-carolina/
- https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/
- https://hirejared.com/injuries/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/