No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in New York. There is no state law that prohibits driving without shoes, nor is there a requirement to wear any specific type of footwear while operating a vehicle. If a police officer pulls you over and notices you’re barefoot, you cannot be cited simply for that reason.
However, while driving barefoot is legal, it can have consequences in certain situations. If your lack of footwear contributes to an accident—such as your foot slipping off the pedal or not being able to brake effectively—you could be found partially or fully liable for the resulting damages.
New York follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, meaning your compensation in an accident could be reduced by the percentage that your barefoot driving contributed to the incident.
Additionally, driving barefoot may reduce your control over the vehicle. Bare feet can slip more easily, especially if wet, and you may not be able to apply pressure as evenly as with shoes.
This can increase the risk of an accident, and if law enforcement determines that barefoot driving was a factor, you could face citations for negligent or unsafe driving—not for being barefoot, but for failing to maintain safe operation of your vehicle.
- Driving barefoot in New York is legal.
- You cannot be ticketed solely for not wearing shoes while driving.
- If barefoot driving contributes to an accident or loss of control, you may be held liable or partially at fault.
- For safety, it’s generally recommended to wear secure, closed-toe shoes while driving.
The widespread belief that barefoot driving is illegal in New York is a myth, but caution and common sense are advised.
Sources
- https://www.bronxlawfirm.net/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-ny
- https://www.bragolilaw.com/blog/2024/04/why-you-shouldnt-drive-barefoot-in-new-york/
- https://www.rwhm.com/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-ny/
- https://wgna.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-york-state/
- https://981thehawk.com/can-i-drive-barefoot-in-ny/