Texas carries many strange laws and legends.
For example, do you need a permit to be publicly barefoot in Texas?
That “law” is actually a myth. According to Texas Monthly, it never existed. During the Great Depression, many people associated bare feet with poverty. When car ownership grew more common, high schoolers received warnings about the consequences of driving shoeless.
But can you drive barefoot in Texas?
It’s likely that there are Texans who prefer to drive this way. Is it illegal?
Here is what the laws says.
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Texas?
There is no law or statute mandating that you can’t drive without some sort of foot wear. However, insurers might find you negligent if you get in an accident and it’s proven that you didn’t wear shoes. According to Wolf Law PLLC, they might argue that wearing flip-flops or sneakers could have prevented the accident, forcing you to battle for rightful compensation. Even more concerning, jurors who aren’t well-versed in Texas law could be swayed by their version of events.
It might just be best to not drive like Fred Flintstone.
Are there risks to driving barefoot?
While driving barefoot may feel comfortable, there are risks. Bare feet can slip on the pedals, making it harder to apply pressure evenly, which could lead to an accident. While the Texas Transportation Commision doesn’t mention that it is illegal or banned to drive this way, it is discouraged.
What shoes should I not wear while driving?
There is no law that says what shoes can’t be worn while driving. However, to prevent accidents, here is what is recommended according to The Wilhite Law Firm:
Flip-flops – Sandals or flip-flops can easily slip off your feet and get caught between the pedals and the car floor, impairing your ability to engage the brake fully.
High-heels – Stiletto heels can prevent you from making proper contact with the pedal, disrupting your control of the vehicle.
Platform shoes – Shoes with thick outsoles can reduce your sense of contact with the pedals, possibly causing you to put too much pressure on the accelerator or the brake. They can also become trapped between the accelerator and the brake pedal, keeping you from pressing either in time.
House slippers – Besides the possibility of falling off, indoor footwear is often too thin to protect your feet in an accident.
Loose-fitting shoes – Shoes that are too big for your feet can distract you and impact the sensation of contact with the pedals.
Shoes with untied laces – Untied shoelaces can easily wrap around pedals, leading to disaster if you need to brake suddenly.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Texas? Here’s what the law says