Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis | October 30, 2025 | Car Accident
Many drivers wonder about strange-sounding rules of the road, including whether it’s illegal to drive barefoot in Ohio. While it might seem dangerous or unusual, the answer may surprise you. Ohio law doesn’t specifically ban barefoot driving, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea.
Driving Barefoot Is Not Against the Law in Ohio
There is no law in Ohio that makes it illegal to drive without shoes. In fact, no U.S. state outright bans barefoot driving. You won’t get pulled over or ticketed just for being shoeless behind the wheel. That said, your choice of footwear, or lack thereof, can still play a role in a crash or traffic stop.
While the law allows barefoot driving, police officers can cite you for reckless or careless driving if your bare feet cause you to lose control of the vehicle. If a crash happens and your lack of footwear contributed to it, that detail could become a factor in the investigation or insurance claim.
Can You Drive With Sandals or Flip-Flops?
You can also legally drive in flip-flops, sandals, or other loose-fitting shoes, but they’re not always safe. Loose footwear can:
- Slide off your feet and get stuck under the pedals
- Make it harder to apply pressure to the brake or gas
- Reduce your ability to feel and control the pedals
- Cause delays in reaction time
Many safety experts recommend wearing closed-toe shoes with a firm sole while driving. Shoes like sneakers or boots provide more stability and better pedal control.
Choosing unsafe footwear won’t result in a ticket, but it could lead to an accident and, in turn, potential legal consequences.
What Happens if Barefoot Driving Causes an Accident?
If you’re involved in a crash while driving barefoot, the insurance company might argue that your footwear choice contributed to the accident. Even if the crash wasn’t your fault, being barefoot could raise questions about whether you were driving responsibly.
Here’s how barefoot driving might affect a car accident claim:
- The other driver’s insurer might use your lack of footwear as a defense
- You could be found partially at fault under Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rules
- Your compensation could be reduced if you’re considered partially responsible
- If your passenger or another person is injured, they may claim you were negligent
You don’t have to break a specific law to be held responsible for a crash. Failing to take reasonable safety precautions, like wearing proper footwear, can still lead to liability in a civil case.
Safe Driving Tips for Footwear
To avoid problems, consider the following tips before you get behind the wheel:
- Keep a pair of driving shoes in your car if you prefer sandals or heels
- Avoid driving barefoot on long trips or in stop-and-go traffic
- Use shoes with flat soles and a good grip for better pedal control
- Take off high heels or platform shoes before driving
- Make sure your shoes aren’t wet, slippery, or bulky
Small changes can go a long way in improving your safety on the road.
Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Ohio?
It’s not illegal to drive barefoot in Ohio, but that doesn’t mean it’s smart. Poor footwear choices can increase the risk of accidents and impact your ability to recover damages if a crash occurs.
If you were injured in an accident in Ohio, and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis to schedule a free case review today.
We proudly serve Allen County and the surrounding areas.
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Lima, OH 45801
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