Anderson Injury Lawyers | March 11, 2025 | Texas Law
Ever rushed out the door, keys in hand, only to realize you’re driving barefoot? Whether you forgot your shoes in the morning rush or were enjoying the feel of the grass, you might wonder— is driving barefoot even legal?
Fortunately, it’s not a “no shirt, no shoes” type of situation. It’s technically legal to drive barefoot in all 50 states — at least, there are no explicit laws against it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good choice. Mark Anderson, our skilled car accident attorney in Dallas, examines this issue and explains why it’s important to keep your shoes on while driving, even if the law permits driving barefoot.”
No Shirt, No Shoes — Still Driving?
Unlike wearing your seat belt or not texting and driving, there are no laws that require you to put your shoes on before you hit the road. However, the absence of a specific law doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t get you in trouble.
Laws about driving are focused on making sure drivers reliably have proper control over their vehicles. It’s a broad standard and intentionally flexible, allowing law enforcement to address a variety of potential dangers.
While driving barefoot is not explicitly illegal, the law does require that drivers maintain proper control of their vehicle. This is a flexible standard, meaning officers could determine that driving barefoot contributes to a loss of control, especially if it leads to an accident.
Implications For Drivers
Then, of course, there’s personal safety. Shoes provide the support and control needed to operate the pedals, especially in emergencies. Bare feet are more susceptible to slipping, and the reduced grip and sensitivity can lead to delayed reactions, increasing the risk of car accidents.
It’s also, quite frankly, not the most comfortable. Wet or dirty pedals make it hard for a bare foot to stay put. Extreme temperatures can make things more challenging, too — scorching summer heat can make metal pedals painfully hot, while icy winter conditions might render them slippery or more resistant.
So, even if it’s technically legal to drive barefoot in your area, it might not be in your best interests to skip the shoes. Split seconds count in an emergency. Your bare feet delaying your response time might be what causes a devastating accident that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
If an accident does happen while you’re driving barefoot, your lack of footwear could be used as evidence of negligence, increasing your liability. Insurance companies might also scrutinize the circumstances, potentially denying coverage or raising premiums all because you didn’t feel like lacing up.
Why It’s Best To Keep Your Shoes On
Driving barefoot might seem too insignificant to cause harm, but fun as it might sound, it’s really never worth the risk. While it is generally legal — though “proper control” can be subjective, and certain jurisdictions and law enforcement officers might interpret what does or doesn’t constitute it differently — simply not being illegal doesn’t make it safe.
Every time you get into your car, you’re not just going from point A to point B — you’re assuming a significant degree of personal liability for your actions behind the wheel and your possible impact on everyone around you, no matter how short a distance you’re traveling.
Safety and common sense should always take precedence. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you put your shoes on.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
