, but if you’re involved in an accident while driving with no shoes, you could be cited for inattentive driving if not wearing shoes is deemed a contributing factor.

When your feet are hot and sweaty, and you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, nothing feels more liberating than kicking off your shoes. But there’s a long-standing myth that driving barefoot is illegal and if you’re caught, you could be dealing with a hefty fine.

In actuality, it’s a false notion that’s been circulating for decades, which probably leads you to wonder: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Idaho?

If you’re thinking about taking a barefoot drive in Idaho but aren’t sure what the law says, this article will set down the facts. We’re walking you through the laws about barefoot driving in Idaho and barefoot driving safety.

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Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Idaho?

No—driving barefoot in Idaho is not illegal! So, if your feet are dying for a breath of fresh air, go ahead and kick them off.

Although most people are under the impression that driving barefoot is illegal and can land you a ticket, there are no Idaho driving laws stating that driving without shoes is a crime. In fact, the Idaho Driver’s Handbook doesn’t include shoes as required equipment for driving.

That said, most states—Idaho included—do consider driving barefoot unsafe and recommend against it. There are a couple of reasons for this:

It leaves you open to liability. If you’re involved in an accident and driving without shoes, a police offer could cite you with

reckless or distracted driving

if they think being barefoot was a contributing factor.

Driving barefoot exposes you to civil litigation. If a court finds you negligent for driving without shoes and the situation resulted in harm to another person, you could be found liable and may be responsible for paying compensation to the victim.

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Tips to get a clean driving record

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Is it safe to drive barefoot?

Being barefoot behind the wheel technically isn’t illegal in any U.S. state, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Most states advise against barefoot driving and consider it unsafe.

However, there is some truth to the myth about barefoot driving being illegal. There is the potential for it to impact your ability to control your vehicle. Before you lose the shoes, here are a few pointers to consider:

Some vehicles may require heavy pressure when braking, which is more challenging when barefoot

Shoe soles distribute pressure more evenly on the pedals than your bare feet can

Feet may be at a higher risk for slipping off the pedals, especially when wet

Wearing socks while driving can reduce traction between your foot and pedals

Bare feet generally have a poorer grip on the pedals

You’re at a higher risk of foot injury if involved in an accident from broken glass and debris

With that said, driving barefoot may be a safer option than driving in inappropriate footwear like high heels, open-heeled sandals, or flip-flops.

It’s recommended that if you want to stay safe behind the wheel of a car in Idaho, choose shoes that are flat and close-toed with sufficient grip for optimal control.

The bottom line: Driving barefoot isn’t illegal in Idaho but it may be safer than driving with inappropriate footwear. It’s recommended to wear a flat, closed-toe shoe that offers good traction.

MORE: Things you should keep in your car

How to save money on car insurance in Idaho

Whether you choose to drive in shoes or not, it’s important to make sure you have the proper insurance for your vehicle. Car insurance comparison and broker app

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Once you choose the right policy, Jerry’s team of experts will take care of switching you over. They’ll even shop around when it’s time to renew. And the best part? You could be saving up to $887 a year on car insurance!