No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in New York. There is no law in New York State that prohibits driving without shoes, nor is there any requirement that drivers must wear specific footwear while operating a vehicle. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you will not receive a ticket simply for being barefoot behind the wheel.
The widespread belief that barefoot driving is illegal is a myth, not just in New York but across the United States. Legal experts and highway safety officials confirm that there are no state or federal laws banning barefoot driving from California to New York.
However, while driving barefoot is legal, it is not always recommended. Safety experts warn that barefoot drivers may have less control over the pedals, increasing the risk of their foot slipping, especially if the pedals are wet or the driver is not accustomed to the feel of the pedals without shoes.
If driving barefoot contributes to an accident, you could be found partially or fully liable for damages, as New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation in an accident could be reduced if it is determined that being barefoot contributed to the cause of the crash.
Driving barefoot in New York is legal, but it is advisable to wear proper footwear to maintain safe control of your vehicle and to avoid potential liability issues in the event of an accident.
Sources
[1] https://www.bronxlawfirm.net/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-ny
[2] https://hermannyc.com/2023/08/29/does-driving-barefoot-make-you-liable-for-a-car-accident-in-nyc/
[3] https://www.stiteslegal.com/blog/2022/july/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york-/
[4] https://www.rwhm.com/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-ny/
[5] https://wgna.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york-state/
