Is It Illegal To Drive Barefoot In New York State?

Have you ever wanted to just take off those uncomfortable shoes after a long night out, or after a hard day's work and drive home? You didn't because you were told, for years, that it is illegal to drive barefoot. But is it?

Here is the truth: it is not against the law to drive barefoot in New York State. Really. If an officer pulls you over and you are not wearing shoes, they are not going to write you a ticket just for that.

This myth has been floating around for a long time, not just in New York but all over the country. Despite what people think, no state bans barefoot driving.

So if your shoes are bugging you and you want to feel a little more relaxed behind the wheel, go for it. Just keep in mind that it is not completely risk-free.

Driving barefoot can feel strange if you are not used to it. You might not have the same control over the pedals as you would with shoes on.

Some drivers press the gas too hard or miss the brake altogether. And if your feet are ticklish or sensitive, you could react unpredictably in a moment that requires calm.

Flip-flops are legal too, but they come with their own problems. They can slip off or get stuck under a pedal, which can be dangerous.

Bottom line: Just because something is legal does not mean it is always the best choice. If your footwear (or lack of it) could make driving harder, it might be worth keeping those shoes on a little longer.