If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s legal to drive barefoot in Vermont, the quick answer is: Yes, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in Vermont.
There are no state laws that specifically prohibit driving without shoes, and this is consistent across the United States. However, while it’s legal, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.
Vermont Barefoot Driving Law: Details
Legality: There is no law in Vermont requiring drivers to wear shoes or any specific type of footwear while driving. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) confirms that driving barefoot is allowed.
DMV and State Policy: The state of Vermont, like other states, does not impose restrictions on driving barefoot. As long as you can operate the vehicle safely, there is no need to worry about wearing shoes.
No Penalties for Bare Feet: You cannot be ticketed or fined simply for driving without shoes. As long as your driving is safe and you adhere to the rules of the road, being barefoot does not incur any penalties.
Safety Considerations
While driving barefoot is legal, safety experts and officials often discourage it for several reasons:
Potential for Slipping: Bare feet may slip off the pedals, especially if they are wet or sandy. This could reduce your control over the vehicle and potentially lead to accidents.
Reckless or Negligent Driving: If you’re involved in an accident and the officer believes that driving barefoot contributed to unsafe driving, you could be cited for reckless or negligent driving. The charge would not be for being barefoot but for driving in an unsafe manner due to lack of proper footwear.
What About Other Footwear?
If you prefer not to drive barefoot but still want to wear comfortable footwear, it’s important to consider the safety risks of other types of shoes:
Flip-Flops and Sandals: These are also legal to wear while driving in Vermont, but they can be just as risky as driving barefoot. They may slip off or catch on the pedals, reducing your ability to drive safely.
High Heels: Like flip-flops, wearing high heels while driving can also be dangerous. They can make it harder to apply pressure to the pedals properly, increasing the risk of an accident.
Motorcycles: The law regarding footwear for motorcycles is the same as for cars in Vermont. There is no requirement to wear specific footwear when operating a motorcycle.
Sources:
1. https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
2. https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
3. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
5. https://www.myimprov.com/barefoot-driving-legal-but-not-recommended/
