We know the feeling: you’ve been at the beach all day, it’s a ten-minute drive back to your house, and the last thing you want to do is pull damp socks and shoes over your feet. Fortunately, from the sunny shores of SoCal to the pristine beaches by the Chesapeake Bay, you can make the drive barefoot without worrying about penalties from the law.

But don’t discard your sneakers just yet—even though shoes aren’t legally required by any state, Maryland does encourage its drivers to wear them and enforces tougher punishments if your lack of shoes contributes to a crash. This article includes the inside scoop on shoeless driving so that you know exactly what to expect in the Old Line State.

Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Maryland?

No! What’s more, there has never been a law against driving barefoot in Maryland.

Back in the summer of ‘94, a man named Jason Heimbaugh sent letters to every DMV in the nation, asking if driving barefoot was illegal. One by one, the answers poured in, and every DMV gave the same reply—driving barefoot is legal (though many states discouraged it). Thanks to Jason, we can dispel the myth that driving without shoes is against the law once and for all.

Of course, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a great idea. Let’s take a look at how driving without proper footwear can hinder your ability to drive.

MORE:

Maryland minimum car insurance laws

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Is it safe to drive barefoot?

It’s certainly possible to drive without shoes, but it’s still less safe than having the right footwear. Here are some great reasons to slip on sturdy shoes before you hit the road:

It’s harder to brake without shoes

Bare feet—especially wet bare feet—have worse traction than shoes

For some people, driving with bare feet can be a distraction

Bare feet have less surface area than proper footwear

There’s a higher chance of serious injury to your feet if you’re in an accident without shoes

The bottom line: Strong, closed-toe shoes are the best option for safe driving. If your only other option is something flimsy like flip-flops or high heels, it’s actually safer to ditch the awkward shoes and use your bare feet.

Key Takeaway Whether you’re wearing heels to a formal event or sandals to a backyard barbecue, keep an extra pair of tennis shoes in your car if you’re planning on driving home after.

MORE:

Driving to Maryland: tips, tricks, and laws

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

How to save money on car insurance in Maryland

Whether you’re a camping fanatic next to the Appalachians or a beach-goer near the sea, you can land some quick and easy savings with Jerry.

Jerry

is a revolutionary

car insurance

app that specializes in finding you insurance savings. It’s this easy: download the app, sign up in 45 seconds, and let Jerry show you the best rates on the market. Once you’ve tapped your favorite policy, Jerry’s outstanding support team will help you cancel your old policy and start your new one—no paperwork or pesky phone calls.

Best of all, the savings from Jerry will knock your socks off! The average user saves $887 each year on car insurance.