Driving barefoot in Maine is a topic surrounded by myths, but the actual law is clear: It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Maine. There are no state laws prohibiting you from operating a motor vehicle without shoes. Multiple credible sources, including local radio stations, news outlets, and legal information sites, confirm that the practice is legal in Maine.
Maine Law on Barefoot Driving
The Maine driver’s handbook and the state traffic statutes do not mention any requirement for drivers to wear footwear when driving standard passenger vehicles. This means that, as a driver in Maine, you can legally operate your car, truck, or similar motor vehicle without wearing shoes or sandals at any time of year.
However, if you are driving barefoot and become involved in an accident, and being barefoot is found to have contributed to your loss of control or unsafe operation, you may face penalties under Maine’s distracted driving statutes.
In such cases, law enforcement officers can issue citations for unsafe or distracted driving. The penalties typically start with a $50 fine for a first offense and can increase up to $250 for repeat violations.
Safety Concerns and Liability
While not illegal, driving barefoot can present safety risks. Authorities and safety advocates often warn that driving without shoes may lead to less control over the pedals, especially if your feet are wet, sweaty, or if the pedals themselves are slippery.
This could increase your chances of causing an accident. If it’s determined that driving barefoot resulted in reckless or careless driving, you could still be held liable for any damages or injuries caused.
Insurance companies may also take shoe choice into account during accident investigations. If being barefoot is found to have played a role in a crash, it may complicate your insurance claim or even result in partial denial of coverage.
Guidance from Maine Law Enforcement
Officials in Maine recommend using common sense when choosing footwear for driving. Shoes that are loose, slippery, or easily trapped (like flip-flops or high heels) are discouraged, as they can become a hazard themselves. Law enforcement suggests wearing well-fitted shoes that allow for maximum control, but recognize that it is sometimes safer to drive barefoot than with particularly unsafe footwear.
Local Ordinances
Although there’s no state law banning barefoot driving, individual municipalities or cities can technically establish their own traffic ordinances. There is no evidence of any such local bans on barefoot driving in Maine as of 2025, but it’s wise to check for any unique rules if you have concerns.
Key Takeaways
Legal to drive barefoot in Maine for standard passenger vehicles.
No state law requires footwear while driving.
Not recommended by safety experts due to risks of losing control.
Fines or distracted driving citations are possible if driving barefoot leads to unsafe operation or a crash.
Check local ordinances if you live or drive in specific towns, though no Maine cities ban barefoot driving as of 2025.
Driving barefoot in Maine is legal, but you are still required to maintain safe control of your vehicle at all times. Make safe choices to keep yourself and others protected on the road.
Sources
[1] https://wcyy.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maine/
[2] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/02/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maine-heres-what-law-says/
[3] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[4] https://cdn.preterhuman.net/texts/law/driving.bar
[5] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
