You’ve heard it before: “bring an extra pair of shoes—barefoot driving is illegal!” And while it never hurts to be prepared, know that barefoot driving laws are a myth. Barefoot driving is legal in 50 states—and better yet, this has always been the case.
Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s recommended. Driving barefoot has its risks, including being penalized with tickets if footwear causes an accident. Worry not, though, barefoot driver.
South Carolina has no laws that make barefoot driving illegal. The state does, however, have a healthy recommendation to drive the way you feel most comfortable.
In 1994, Jason Heimbaugh wrote to every state DMV office. His goal was to prove once and for all that laws against barefoot driving were a myth. To the delight of barefoot drivers everywhere, Jason found that it is legal in every state to drive without shoes.
The story doesn’t end there. While it’s legal to drive barefoot in South Carolina, you can still be penalized if the lack of shoes causes an accident. Penalties could manifest as civil fees or a reckless driving charge—giving drivers plenty of reasons to choose their footwear carefully.
While barefoot driving is entirely legal, it may not be the safest practice for every driver. A lack of shoes can decrease the driver's ability to control a vehicle because of these reasons:
To avoid serious injuries or penalties, always drive the way you find most comfortable. Sure—barefoot driving isn’t the safest choice out there, but it may beat driving in high heels or flip-flops. The conditions around you can play a role in your footwear choices, too.
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