There is no law in Wisconsin that prohibits driving barefoot. Neither the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Motorists’ Handbook nor the state statutes mention any restriction against operating a vehicle without shoes.
This means drivers cannot be cited or penalized solely for choosing to drive without footwear. The Wisconsin State Law Library and other official resources confirm that the state does not regulate what drivers wear on their feet, leaving the choice up to individual motorists.
Safety Considerations
While driving barefoot is legal, safety experts generally advise against it. Bare feet may not provide adequate grip or protection, especially if your feet are wet, sweaty, or injured. This can increase the risk of your foot slipping off the pedals, which may compromise your ability to control the vehicle effectively.
In the event of a crash, bare feet are also more susceptible to injury from debris or broken glass. For these reasons, many safety organizations and insurance companies recommend wearing secure, closed-toe shoes when driving.
Insurance and Liability Issues
Insurance policies in Wisconsin do not specifically address barefoot driving. However, if you are involved in an accident and it is determined that driving barefoot contributed to the cause, your insurance company could use this as a factor when determining liability. In rare cases, claims could be reduced or denied if driving barefoot is deemed negligent under the circumstances.
Additionally, if law enforcement concludes that your choice to drive barefoot resulted in unsafe operation of the vehicle, you could potentially face charges of inattentive or reckless driving under Wisconsin Statute 346.89, which prohibits activities that interfere with safe driving.
Footwear That May Be More Dangerous
Certain types of footwear, such as flip-flops, high heels, or loose sandals, can be even more hazardous than driving barefoot. These shoes are prone to slipping off or getting caught under the pedals, which can impair your ability to drive safely.
In some situations, law enforcement may prefer that drivers go barefoot rather than wear unsafe footwear, as maintaining full control of the vehicle is the primary concern.
Wisconsin law does not prohibit driving barefoot, and you will not be ticketed simply for doing so. However, the practice is discouraged due to the increased risk of accidents, potential for injury, and possible insurance complications if an accident occurs. For optimal safety and to avoid legal or financial trouble, it is best to wear secure, non-slip shoes whenever you are behind the wheel.
Sources
[1] https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/bds126-motorists-handbook.pdf
[2] https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/drv-behavior/346.pdf
[3] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XIII/89?view=section
[4] https://www.swtc.edu/uploadedpdfs/public-safety/driver-education/Motorists-Handbook-Wisconsin-DOT.pdf
[5] https://www.findlaw.com/traffic/traffic-tickets/wisconsin-traffic-laws.html
