In New York, it is not illegal to drive barefoot. There are no specific laws in the state that prohibit driving without shoes, meaning drivers can legally operate a vehicle while barefoot. If a police officer pulls you over for another reason and notices you are not wearing shoes, they cannot issue a ticket solely for that reason.
Safety Considerations
While driving barefoot is legal, it is important to consider the safety implications:
- Control Issues: Many experts argue that driving without shoes can reduce control over the vehicle. Bare feet may not provide the same grip and pressure distribution on the pedals as shoes do, which can lead to slipping and potentially dangerous situations.
- Liability Risks: If an accident occurs while driving barefoot, it could be argued that this contributed to the incident. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if you are found partially at fault for an accident due to driving barefoot, your ability to recover damages may be reduced.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is perfectly legal to drive barefoot in New York, it is advisable to wear appropriate footwear for better control and safety. This helps minimize the risk of accidents and potential liability issues in case of an incident.
SOURCES
- https://wgna.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york-state/
- https://www.rosenbaumnylaw.com/blog/2020/09/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york/
- https://www.baileyjohnson.com/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york/
