Driving barefoot is not prohibited under Tennessee state law. There are no statewide statutes that make it illegal to operate a motor vehicle without shoes, whether you’re driving a car or even a motorcycle. This is consistent with the laws across the United States-no state outright bans driving barefoot.
Local Ordinances May Differ
While the state does not prohibit barefoot driving, some local municipalities in Tennessee may have their own ordinances that restrict or prohibit driving without shoes. Therefore, if you plan to drive barefoot regularly, it’s wise to check the specific rules in your city or county to avoid potential issues.
Safety and Liability Considerations
- Safety Concerns: Driving barefoot is generally not recommended by safety experts. Bare feet can slip off pedals more easily than shoes, especially if wet, and offer less protection in the event of an accident.
- Accident Liability: If you are involved in an accident and your barefoot driving is determined to have contributed to the crash (for example, if your foot slipped off the pedal), you could potentially be cited for reckless or negligent driving. This could impact both criminal and civil liability.
Key Points
- Legal Statewide: Driving barefoot is legal throughout Tennessee at the state level.
- Local Exceptions: Some cities or counties may have rules against it-check local ordinances.
- Not Recommended: It’s considered less safe than driving with appropriate footwear.
- Liability: Being barefoot can be a factor in accident investigations and insurance claims if it contributed to a crash.
You are not breaking Tennessee state law by driving barefoot, but always check local rules and consider the safety and liability risks involved.
Sources
- https://www.warfornash.com/post/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-tennessee
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
- https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/criminal-defense/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/
- https://www.mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-tennessee-heres-what-law-says/
- https://www.labrumlawfirm.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-tennessee/