It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Tennessee. There are no state laws prohibiting drivers from operating a vehicle without shoes, and this applies to both cars and motorcycles. In fact, no state in the U.S. has a law that outright bans barefoot driving.
Local Ordinances: A Possible Exception
While Tennessee state law does not forbid barefoot driving, some local cities or counties may have their own ordinances regarding footwear behind the wheel. It’s wise to check local regulations, especially if you frequently drive barefoot.
Safety and Liability Considerations
Even though it’s legal, driving barefoot is generally discouraged by safety experts. Bare feet can slip off pedals more easily than shoes, especially if wet, and offer less protection in the event of an accident.
If an accident occurs and barefoot driving is deemed a contributing factor, it could be considered negligent and impact liability in both criminal and civil cases.
Key Takeaways
- Driving barefoot is legal in Tennessee at the state level.
- Some localities may have their own rules, so check local ordinances.
- Barefoot driving is not recommended for safety reasons.
- If barefoot driving contributes to an accident, you could be held liable.
In summary, you are not breaking Tennessee state law by driving barefoot, but you should consider safety and local rules before kicking off your shoes behind the wheel.
Sources:
- https://www.warfornash.com/post/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-tennessee
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-tennessee-heres-what-law-says/
- https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/