Driving barefoot in Pennsylvania is NOT illegal. There is no state law prohibiting you from operating a vehicle without shoes. This is a common myth, but Pennsylvania—like all 50 states—does not have any specific law against barefoot driving.
What the Law Says
No citation for barefoot driving: Police cannot ticket you simply for not wearing shoes while driving; it is not a traffic violation.
Accident liability: If you are involved in a traffic accident and authorities determine that your lack of footwear contributed—such as your foot slipping off the pedal—you could be cited for “careless” or “reckless” driving. In these cases, the issue is not being barefoot itself, but how it impacts your vehicle control and safety.
No local bans: There are no reported local ordinances in Pennsylvania banning barefoot driving, but drivers should always check local regulations when traveling.
Why Do People Think It’s Illegal?
This misconception is widespread and often repeated by parents and driving instructors. Some believe barefoot driving interferes with safe operation, but the law does not specifically address footwear.
What Do Authorities Recommend?
Safety first: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suggests that drivers wear secure, appropriate footwear to maximize control of their vehicle.
Potential hazards: Barefoot driving can lead to reduced grip on pedals, slippage, discomfort, or delayed reactions. For example:
Improper footwear: Driving in flip-flops, high heels, or thick boots can also affect vehicle control. While not prohibited, shoes should fit securely and allow good contact with the pedals.
What If I’m in an Accident?
If an officer believes barefoot driving was a factor in the crash—such as your foot slipping and causing you to lose control—you could be cited under careless or reckless driving statutes. Liability, both civil and criminal, may increase if being barefoot is found to have caused the incident.
Legal? YES, driving barefoot is legal in Pennsylvania.
Advisable? Only if you can control your vehicle safely—otherwise, it may be cited as careless.
Best Practice: Wear comfortable, secure shoes when driving, especially for long trips or in adverse conditions.
Kicking off your shoes won’t get you ticketed in Pennsylvania, but you should always prioritize safe driving habits and proper control of your vehicle. Bare feet may feel freeing, but if they compromise safety, you could face real legal and personal consequences, especially after an accident.
Sources
[1] https://www.mooney4law.com/blog/can-i-drive-without-shoes-in-pennsylvania/
[2] https://ciccarelli.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-pennsylvania/
[3] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/22/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-pennsylvania-heres-what-law-says/
[4] https://wpst.com/barefoot-driving-pennsylvania/
[5] https://wpst.com/pennsylvania-barefoot-driving-law/
