Driving barefoot doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it it legal?
Of all 50 states, not a single one has laws against driving with no shoes on, Tennessee included.
In Tennessee, it is entirely legal to drive a vehicle with no shoes on, although it is not recommended, as you have less control when driving without shoes. Instead, it is recommended to wear shoes that fit securely on your foot and have a flat sole, such as tennis shoes.
“When you’re barefoot, you have no means to distribute the force of your foot evenly, and you may not have adequate pressure to engage the brakes effectively, especially when the anti-lock braking system engages,” wrote GEICO insurance. “Plus, feet can get sweaty and slippery, affecting pivot and pedal grip as well as reaction time.”
While it may not be breaking the law in any state, officers nationally advise against driving barefoot.
Can motorcyclists ride barefoot in Tennessee?
Ironically, the only laws in Tennessee that dictate what a motorcyclist must wear are about helmets and eye protection, not shoes.
According to the state’s motorcycle helmet law, it is required for all motorcyclists and passengers to wear a safety helmet. It is also the law that motorcyclists must wear eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Top ten traffic safety laws in Tennessee
According to the Department of Safety & Homeland Security, these are the top driving laws to be aware of in Tennessee.
Maximum Length of Recreational Vehicle Combination Law (TCA 55-7-201)
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Is it legal to drive barefoot in Tennessee? What to know