Driving barefoot in North Dakota is not illegal. There are no state laws or traffic regulations that prohibit operating a motor vehicle without shoes. This aligns with the law in all 50 states—none have a statewide ban on driving barefoot.
However, while it is legal, driving barefoot is generally discouraged due to safety concerns. Without proper footwear, your feet may slip off the pedals, making it harder to control the car, especially in emergency situations.
In the event of an accident, if law enforcement determines that driving barefoot contributed to the crash, you could be cited for reckless or negligent driving, depending on the circumstances.
Additionally, driving with inappropriate footwear—such as flip-flops or sandals—is also not illegal, but it is considered risky for similar reasons. These types of shoes can get caught under pedals or slip off, increasing the chance of losing control of the vehicle.
Summary Table
| Activity | Legal in North Dakota? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving barefoot | Yes | Not illegal, but discouraged for safety |
| Driving in flip-flops | Yes | Not illegal, but considered unsafe |
| Penalties for accidents | Possible | May be cited if barefoot driving contributed to reckless/negligent act |
You can legally drive barefoot in North Dakota, but it is safer to wear appropriate, secure footwear while operating a motor vehicle.
Sources:
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
- https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
- https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot