Driving Barefoot in Georgia: Is It Legal? It may seem strange to drive barefoot, but a lot of people do it for comfort or ease of use. You might be wondering if it is against the law in Georgia to drive without shoes. Plain and simple, no, it is not against the law to drive barefoot in the state.
However, even though Georgia law does not state that one cannot drive without shoes, drivers should still think of the practicality and possible issues of safety. What does the law say about driving barefoot? What risks will it pose? Why do some people still do it?
Georgia Law and Driving Barefoot
No rule in Georgia states that one is prohibited from driving barefoot. The Georgia Code says nothing special about shoes you can wear while driving. This means that if the police pull you over, you can not get a ticket or fine just for going barefoot.
Very interestingly, this no rule applies to most of the U.S. states and driving barefoot is permitted there as well. Many people consider it illegal to drive barefoot, but it is more of a myth than law.
Even though it is not illegal to drive barefoot, it does not mean that the act should always be done.
Safety Issues of Driving Barefoot
Though it might be pleasing to have that feeling, driving barefooted can be dangerous. Shoes put something between your feet and the wheels to protect them.
There is a possibility that without shoes, your feet may not hold the grip on the wheels properly. When your feet become wet, they may slip off the wheels and cause an accident.
When you drive barefoot, for example, you might end up exerting more pressure on the pedals, which might cause jerky or harsh acceleration or stopping.
In case you don’t have shoes on, your foot might respond to pressure differently, and this is bad, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Additionally, police may use the fact that you were driving barefoot as evidence against your careless or reckless behavior if involved in an accident, even though it is legal.
What About Driving in Flip-Flops or Sandals?
If driving barefoot is not safe, most drivers think that driving in flip-flops or shoes will be safer. However, driving in flip-flops can be dangerous than driving barefoot.
If they are loose, your shoes might fall off and become stuck under the pedals or make it challenging for you to control the car properly.
Well, according to some experts, it is safer to drive barefoot than wearing flip-flops or other types of unstable shoes. Flip-flops, slides, or any type of shoes with open backs can make you lose control while you are driving.
If you prefer to drive barefoot, then it would be good to take off your flip-flops and leave them inside the car. Then your feet would not be cramped and have no chances to slide.
Liability in an Accident
If you have an accident, insurance companies or police might look at the fact that you were barefoot while driving as a factor of liability.
This is especially true if they think it made the accident more likely. Even though it is allowed, it could still affect how people are judged when it comes to careless or negligent driving.
Still, when driving, it is always best to put safety first. If you think that driving without shoes on will make it harder for you to control the car safely, you should not do it.
Safest Shoes for the Floor
Even though Georgia does not have special shoe rules, it is a good idea to wear stable shoes with good grip to protect your feet. Here’s how to keep safe on the road:
Wear fitting shoes. Avoid wearing shoes that can slip off easily or make it difficult to feel your wheels.
Keep an extra pair in the car. If you like to drive barefoot or in flip-flops, you’ll want to carry a sturdier pair of shoes with you, like driving moccasins or sneakers.
Pay attention to your pedals. If you are going to drive barefoot, make sure the pedals are clean and dry.
Conclusion
It is allowed to drive barefoot in the state of Georgia, though it may not be the most secure option. You probably won’t get a ticket for driving without shoes on, but you should put your safety and control first.
Wearing the right shoe or, at least, considering the risks associated with going barefoot will help you maintain control and minimize the risks that may occur.
