Many people think it’s illegal to drive barefoot, but in Idaho, it is completely legal to drive without shoes. There are no laws or rules that make driving barefoot against the law in the state.
Idaho Law on Barefoot Driving
No Law Against Barefoot Driving
In Idaho, there is no law that says you have to wear shoes while driving. You won’t get a ticket or a fine just for driving barefoot.
Idaho Driver’s Handbook
The Idaho Driver’s Handbook does not mention anything about needing specific footwear to drive.
Same Across the U.S.
No state in the U.S. makes it illegal to drive a car or truck barefoot. It’s a common myth that it’s against the law, but it’s not true.
Safety and Liability Considerations
Even though driving barefoot is legal, there are some important safety and liability points to think about:
Safety Risks
Bare feet don’t provide as much traction or control on the pedals as shoes do, which could make an accident more likely. Some experts even say that things like flip-flops or high heels could be more dangerous than driving barefoot, because they might slip off or get caught under the pedals.
Reckless Driving Laws
If you’re in an accident and it’s found that driving barefoot caused the incident (for example, if your foot slipped off the brake pedal), you could be charged with reckless driving under Idaho Code § 49-1401.
Insurance Implications
If your barefoot driving is linked to an accident, insurance companies might consider it a factor when deciding claims or liability, which could affect your insurance.
What Do Safety Officials Recommend?
Best Practice
Safety experts recommend wearing secure, closed-toe shoes with a good grip to help you have maximum control while driving.
Official Advice
While it’s not required by law, wearing proper footwear is generally the safer choice when driving.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Legal Status in Idaho | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving a car/truck | Legal | No law against barefoot driving |
| Driving a motorcycle | Legal | No law against barefoot driving, but proper footwear is recommended |
| Accident while barefoot | Not illegal, but could affect liability | Reckless driving charges possible if safety is compromised |
Sources:
1. https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/06/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-idaho-heres-what-law-says/
2. https://mocobizscene.com/us-news/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-idaho-heres-what-the-law-says-in-2024
3. https://thewrangler.com/idaho-law-on-driving-barefoot-what-every-driver-should-know/2025/06/22/
