If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re breaking the law by driving barefoot in Illinois, you’re not alone. For decades, rumors have swirled that operating a vehicle without shoes could get you ticketed—or worse. Here’s what Illinois law actually says about barefoot driving in 2025.
The Bottom Line: Barefoot Driving Is Legal in Illinois
There is no law in Illinois that prohibits driving barefoot. The Illinois Vehicle Code does not require drivers to wear any particular footwear—or even shoes at all—when operating a motor vehicle. Contrary to persistent urban legends passed along by parents, driving instructors, or even some police officers, you will not receive a citation for driving without shoes on Illinois roads.
This permissiveness isn’t unique to Illinois: there are no federal regulations and, as of 2025, no state in the U.S. makes barefoot driving illegal. Whether you’re in Chicago or anywhere else in the country, the legal answer is the same—barefoot driving is allowed.
Safety Concerns and Expert Recommendations
While legal, most road safety experts and law enforcement officers strongly discourage barefoot driving due to increased risk. Driving without shoes could reduce your grip and sensitivity on the pedals, making it more likely your foot might slip, especially if your feet are wet or sweaty.
This lack of traction can delay your reaction time and increase the likelihood of a mishap in emergencies. Shoes also provide extra protection in case of an accident—a bare foot is more vulnerable to injury.
What If You’re In An Accident?
Even though it’s legal, if you’re involved in an accident while driving barefoot—and it’s shown that being shoeless contributed to the loss of control—you may face additional scrutiny.
Police can note your lack of footwear as a factor if they believe it contributed to “reckless” or negligent driving, particularly if it hinders your control of the vehicle or leads to an accident. In these situations, barefoot driving wouldn’t be a specific violation, but could increase your liability.
Are Certain Types of Footwear Safer?
Interestingly, many experts agree that some types of footwear may be less safe than no shoes at all—flip-flops, high heels, and loose sandals can easily slip off or get caught under the pedals, posing a different set of risks. Nevertheless, driving barefoot is not recommended compared to wearing flat, secure shoes with good grip.
Tips for Illinois Drivers
Keep a pair of safe driving shoes in your vehicle, especially if you often wear sandals, high heels, or drive barefoot after sporting activities.
If you drive barefoot, make sure your feet are clean and dry. Avoid having loose footwear under the pedals, which could get lodged under the brake or accelerator.
In the event of an accident, be prepared that your lack of footwear may be reviewed as a contributing factor during the insurance claims or police investigation.
Driving barefoot in Illinois is not illegal and you will not be fined or cited solely for being shoeless behind the wheel. However, you should weigh the potential safety risks and increased liability if involved in an accident.
The safest route—literally and legally—is to wear proper footwear while driving, but you can rest assured that, legally, your bare feet are free to hit the pedals in Illinois.
Sources
[1] https://www.chicagolawyer.com/blog/lies-youve-been-told-about-traffic-laws/
[2] https://1440wrok.com/is-driving-barefoot-legal-in-illinois/
[3] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/21/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-illinois-heres-what-law-says/
[4] https://www.seidmanlaw.net/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-with-no-shoes-on/
[5] https://www.samlemanmorton.com/illegal-to-drive-barefoot-illinois/
