Driving barefoot is not illegal in Maryland. There is no state law that prohibits operating a motor vehicle without shoes, and you cannot be pulled over or fined solely for driving barefoot. In fact, this is a widespread myth—Maryland, like all 50 states, allows drivers to choose their footwear, including the option to drive without any at all.
Legal and Safety Considerations
- No Specific Law: Maryland’s traffic laws do not include any statute that bans barefoot driving.
- Choice of Footwear: You are free to drive barefoot, in flip-flops, sandals, or any other type of shoe—or none at all.
- Motorcycles: Note that some states have restrictions for motorcyclists, but Maryland does not have such a law for cars or motorcycles.
When Barefoot Driving Can Become a Legal Issue
While driving barefoot is legal, it can become a liability in certain situations:
- Negligent or Reckless Driving: If you are involved in an accident and it is determined that being barefoot contributed to your inability to control the vehicle, you could be cited for negligent or reckless driving.
- Insurance and Civil Claims: In Maryland, if your barefoot driving is found to have contributed to an accident, you may be held partially or fully liable. Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule—if you are even 1% at fault, you could be barred from recovering damages in a claim.
- Police and Jury Decisions: If police or insurance investigators believe that driving barefoot was a factor in causing an accident, it could negatively impact your case or settlement negotiations.
Practical and Safety Advice
- Safety Concerns: Driving barefoot can reduce your grip on the pedals, potentially causing your foot to slip and increasing the risk of an accident. Some argue that certain types of shoes, like flip-flops, can be even more dangerous if they get caught under pedals.
- Best Practice: Most safety experts recommend wearing secure, comfortable shoes while driving to minimize risk.
Table: Barefoot Driving in Maryland
| Issue | Legal Status/Implication |
|---|---|
| Driving barefoot | Legal |
| Cited solely for being barefoot | Not possible |
| Liability if barefoot causes accident | Can be cited for negligence; affects claims |
| Recommended practice | Wear secure, comfortable shoes |
Driving barefoot in Maryland is perfectly legal, but if it contributes to an accident, you may face legal and financial consequences. For your safety and to avoid complications in the event of a crash, it’s best to wear proper footwear while driving.
Sources
- https://www.mooney4law.com/blog/can-i-drive-without-shoes-in-maryland/
- https://ricelawmd.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
- https://www.wilsonandparlett.com/blog/2020/august/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maryland-/
- https://wgk-law.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-maryland/
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/