It is not illegal to drive barefoot in South Carolina. Despite widespread belief and persistent urban legends, there is no state law-or federal law-that prohibits driving without shoes in South Carolina or any other U.S. state. Law enforcement cannot issue a ticket solely for driving barefoot.
What About Flip-Flops and Other Footwear?
South Carolina also does not prohibit driving in flip-flops, sandals, or other types of footwear. The law does not specify what kinds of shoes are acceptable or unacceptable for driving.
However, drivers are required to operate vehicles safely and responsibly. If your choice of footwear-such as flip-flops or going barefoot-contributes to an accident or impairs your control of the vehicle, you could be held liable for negligence or failure to maintain control.
Safety Concerns and Insurance Implications
While legal, driving barefoot or in loose footwear like flip-flops can be risky:
- Bare feet may slip off the pedals, especially if wet or sweaty, reducing control.
- Flip-flops can get caught under pedals, causing delays in braking or acceleration.
- In the event of an accident, insurers or courts may consider your choice of footwear as a factor in determining negligence or liability.
Some insurance companies may even deny coverage if it’s determined that barefoot driving contributed to a crash.
Accident and Liability Considerations
If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot or in inappropriate footwear, this fact could be used against you in court. A judge may decide that driving without shoes was negligent and reduce or deny your compensation under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules.
Key Takeaways
- Driving barefoot is legal in South Carolina-there is no law against it.
- Driving in flip-flops or sandals is also legal, but not recommended for safety reasons.
- You can’t be ticketed solely for barefoot driving, but you may be held liable if it leads to an accident.
- Safe driving practices are encouraged: Wear secure, closed-toed shoes for best control, and keep a spare pair in your vehicle if needed.
Bottom line: You won’t get a ticket for driving barefoot in South Carolina, but for your safety and legal protection, it’s best to wear proper footwear when behind the wheel.
Sources:
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/illegal-drive-without-shoes-sc-100000452.html
- https://www.tedlaw.com/drive-with-flip-flops-charleston-sc/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef0FNzLLfJQ
- https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot