Is Driving Barefoot Illegal in Alabama?
It’s legal to drive barefoot in Alabama, but you could face additional fines if you’re in an accident without adequate footwear.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Contrary to what you might have heard, it is perfectly legal to drive barefoot in
Alabama
. That being said, you should be aware of the potential safety risks posed by driving barefoot as opposed to driving with proper footwear. If you prefer kicking off your shoes before getting behind the wheel, you’ve surely been at the receiving end of comments about the legality of driving barefoot. But do your friends and family have it right?
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Alabama?
No! It is perfectly legal to drive barefoot in Alabama!
The myth that driving barefoot is illegal was busted nearly 30 years ago in 1994 by a man named Jason Heimbaugh. Jason sent a letter to DMV offices in every US state (and Washington D.C.) asking if driving barefoot was legal in their jurisdiction. Each and every DMV office sent back letters assuring him that it was completely legal to drive barefoot. The myth, however, persists.
Pay the rumors no mind! There are absolutely no laws forbidding barefoot driving in Alabama—unless, that is, you’re riding a motorcycle. According to the Code of Alabama “no person shall operate or ride a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he or she is wearing shoes.”
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Is it safe to drive barefoot?
Although barefoot driving isn’t illegal anywhere in the US, most states recommend that drivers wear proper footwear. This is because driving barefoot can sometimes be unsafe.
The safety issue with driving barefoot is a result of the driver having a decreased amount of control over their vehicle because:
- Driving barefoot reduces your braking force.
- Bare feet typically have less traction than shoes, especially when wet.
But even though driving barefoot isn’t as safe as wearing proper footwear, it can prove safer than driving in difficult footwear like flip-flops and high heels. In Alabama, you can also face
reckless driving
charges if driving barefoot is deemed to be a contributing factor to an accident. The bottom line: While closed-toe shoes will give you the most control behind the wheel, there are no laws forbidding driving barefoot, which is likely safer than driving in high heels.
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