It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Rhode Island. There are no state laws or traffic regulations that prohibit operating a motor vehicle without shoes. This is a common misconception, but both legal experts and state resources confirm that you can legally drive barefoot in Rhode Island, just as you can in every other U.S. state.
Safety Considerations
While driving barefoot is legal, safety experts and personal injury attorneys caution that it may not always be the safest option.
Bare feet can lack the traction provided by proper footwear, especially if your feet are wet or sandy, which could increase the risk of slipping off the pedals and causing an accident.
Conversely, some types of footwear—like flip-flops, high heels, or shoes with long laces—can also be hazardous, as they might get caught under the pedals.
Legal Risks in Accidents
If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, your lack of footwear could be cited as a contributing factor. In such cases, you might be found negligent or even face reckless driving charges if it’s determined that barefoot driving played a role in the crash. This could also affect insurance claims or liability in civil suits.
Motorcycles
Note: While driving a car barefoot is legal, motorcycle riders are often subject to different rules. However, Rhode Island does not have a specific law requiring motorcycle riders to wear footwear.
Key Points
- Driving barefoot is legal in Rhode Island.
- No state law requires drivers to wear shoes.
- If barefoot driving contributes to an accident, it could result in additional legal or insurance consequences.
- Safety experts recommend wearing secure, closed-toe shoes for optimal control and protection.
You can legally drive barefoot in Rhode Island, but for your safety—and to avoid complications in the event of an accident—wearing appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.
Sources:
- https://wbsm.com/massachusetts-rhode-island-driving-barefoot/
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/
- https://hirejared.com/injuries/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
- https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/