Is it Legal to Drive Barefoot in Florida
Paul Brannon | October 9, 2022 | Car Accident
Under Florida law, no provisions or statutes specifically state that it is illegal to drive barefoot.
In Florida, the weather permits year-round visits to the pool and beach. After these visits, individuals may not want to put shoes back onto their wet or sandy feet. Likewise, after a long day of work, business professionals may want to enjoy their commute home without their high heels or dress shoes still on.
Fortunately, there are no Florida laws that prohibit doing so. If you were to be pulled over, there is no specified citation an officer could give you for driving without shoes on.
Taking Your Shoes Off While Driving
In some cases, taking your shoes off while driving may be safer if they impair your ability to operate the pedals. However, although legal, this is not recommended. Taking your shoes off while driving could result in a vehicle collision or distracted driving citation and is dangerous to you and everyone around you on the road.
If you decide the safer alternative is to take your shoes off after you have begun driving to your next destination, be sure to pull over, stop your vehicle, and remove your shoes safely.
Is it Dangerous to Drive in Sandals or Flip-Flops?
Certain shoes raise questions as to whether it is dangerous to drive while wearing them. Commonly worn to accommodate Florida weather, flip-flops or sandals may raise this question.
In theory, driving with shoes such as these, which lack the support and security of lace-up sneakers or boots, may allow for slippage when pressing the pedals while driving, leading to an accident. The safety of your choice of footwear is ultimately a subjective decision, but you should consider the implications of all alternatives.
Is it Dangerous to Drive Barefoot?
Driving barefoot could pose risks similar to those of driving with unsecured shoes, such as flip-flops. The lack of grip of your feet on the pedals could result in the same kind of slippage, which may lead to a car accident.
Additionally, if you are in an accident, your feet could be at higher risk of injury due to your lack of protection while driving. In fact, a Florida State Trooper recalled an incident to a news outlet where an individual was driving barefoot. Because of this, when she was involved in a collision, she suffered an injury from the pedal splitting her foot between her big toe.
The interest of personal safety should be considered with the risks one may pose to others by driving without secure footwear.
Is Driving Barefoot Considered Careless Driving in Florida?
While you may not be directly cited for driving barefoot, if you are charged with careless driving, your lack of footwear may be considered as a factor leading to this charge. Your obligation as a driver on Florida roads is not to endanger others while driving.
If driving with loose shoes or slippery feet impairs your driving ability, a judge may decide that you have failed to uphold this obligation. Safety must be considered in all aspects when you decide to get behind the wheel of a car. Otherwise, you may be charged with careless or reckless driving.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida If You’ve Been in a Collision
If you’ve been in a car accident caused by someone’s careless, reckless, or distracted driving, call a Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation. They’ll help you determine your options for compensation and guide you through the claims process.
If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin car accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297