If you’ve lived in Florida for any amount of time, perhaps you’ve heard that it is illegal to drive barefoot. The good news is that there are no laws on the books that prohibit you from driving without shoes on your feet. However, even though you won’t be breaking any laws by driving barefoot, it is a practice you should avoid.
Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers is a law firm focused on representing injured victims in personal injury cases in the state of Florida. In this blog post, we provide further information about driving barefoot and the potential legal concerns that could come from going without shoes while behind the wheel.
Driving Barefoot Laws in Florida
There are no laws in Florida that forbid you from driving without shoes on your feet. Many people may think that it is illegal simply because in some other states, there are laws that require footwear to be worn behind the wheel.
You’re not breaking the law when you drive without shoes, and if someone has told you this, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you won’t be ticketed in the event you’re pulled over. Even though you’re not breaking the law per se, it is highly advisable that you start wearing shoes every time you drive.
Is It Legal to Drive Barefoot in Florida?
Driving without shoes is legal, though just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should. The same goes for open-toed shoes and the like. The biggest reason it is recommended to always wear shoes or safe types of shoes while driving is for your safety.
Less Traction
When you wear shoes, they give you the traction you need to firmly press on the accelerator and brakes. It makes it harder for you to gauge if you need to push more firmly on these pedals or if you need to ease up.
In wet conditions, which are certainly common during Florida’s rainy season, it makes it even more difficult to discern the type of pressure you need to apply to the gas or brakes. You may be more likely to get into an accident in these situations when you’re not wearing shoes.
Potential for More Serious Injuries
Another important reason for wearing shoes while you drive is that you never know if your car will break down. You’d be stuck on the side of the road, stepping in glass shards and other debris without shoes to protect your feet. In the event of an accident, if you are not wearing shoes, your feet will be exposed to dangers from broken glass or hot fluids that erupt from the impact.
Inappropriate Footwear Is Problematic Too
Flip flops may be acceptable almost everywhere in Florida, but these types of shoes or any open-toed design make it easy for them to slide off while you drive. These could get wedged under the accelerator or brake pedals, making it impossible for you to drive safely.
Certainly, the laws don’t dictate the type of shoes you must wear while driving in Florida, or that you even need to wear them at all. However, it is absolutely in your best interest to avoid driving barefoot.
What Could Happen If You Get Into an Accident While Driving Barefoot in Florida?
If you get into an accident in Florida and you aren’t wearing shoes, a police officer could technically write you a ticket for reckless driving. They may arrive at the conclusion that your lack of footwear played a role in the crash.
In Florida, the laws changed in 2023 from pure comparative negligence to modified comparative negligence. Under the pure comparative negligence model, you could still recover compensation for your financial losses in an accident even if you were 99% at fault. These new laws with modified comparative negligence mean that you must be 50% or less at fault for the accident, or else you will be barred from seeking compensation.
If you’re not wearing shoes, even if you were obeying traffic laws, the insurance company may assign you a portion of the blame. This would reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault assigned to you, and if that percentage happens to be 51% or more, you would not be able to recover money for your injuries.
It is always best to wear shoes to keep safe when driving in Florida, or anywhere for that matter. If you were in an accident, Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Contact our accident attorneys in FL today.
Back to Blog
