Driving barefoot in Utah is not illegal. There is no state law prohibiting operating a vehicle without shoes, and this is consistent across all 50 U.S. states. The Utah Highway Patrol has explicitly stated that “Utah law does not require that shoes be worn while operating a motor vehicle.” However, they also recommend wearing shoes for safety reasons, as it is generally easier and safer to control your vehicle with proper footwear.
Key Points:
- Legal Status: You cannot be ticketed solely for driving barefoot in Utah.
- Safety Concerns: Authorities advise against barefoot driving because it can increase the risk of your foot slipping off the pedals, especially if your feet are wet or the pedal surface is slippery.
- Accidents and Liability: If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, it’s possible (though uncommon) that it could be used as evidence of reckless or negligent driving, especially if lack of footwear contributed to the crash.
- Practical Advice: While legal, driving barefoot is discouraged by safety experts and law enforcement. If you must remove uncomfortable shoes (like high heels or flip-flops), it’s sometimes safer to drive barefoot than with unsafe footwear, but sturdy, closed-toe shoes are always the best option for safe driving.
It is legal to drive barefoot in Utah, but it is not recommended due to safety concerns. If barefoot driving contributes to an accident or unsafe driving, you could still face citations for careless or reckless driving, regardless of your footwear.
Sources
[1] https://www.greatwestinjurylaw.com/blog/auto-accidents/is-driving-barefoot-legal-in-utah/
[2] https://www.oremtoyota.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[3] https://utahinjurylawyers.com/what-is-the-appropriate-driving-footwear/
[4] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[5] https://sportsradio977.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-utah/