We did the footwork, and what we found was that there are currently no U.S. states that require shoes to be worn or require any type of footwear while sitting in the driver’s seat.
It is not illegal to drive barefoot in the California.
However, it’s still considered to be a risk to drive barefoot because there isn’t a lot of traction on your skin compared to wearing shoes with rubber soles.
Many drivers in warmer climates like California are more prone to driving barefoot compared to locations where the weather is colder throughout the year.
Drivers have the option of choosing what they prefer to wear on their feet but will be held responsible if their foot slips, and it causes an accident as they’re driving.
Is Barefoot Driving Dangerous?
Yes, barefoot driving is considered to be dangerous and can pose serious challenges.
If you’re not wearing shoes while operating a car, it can be difficult to apply enough pressure to the gas or brakes, which can compromise your ability to drive safely and have more control of the vehicle.
Most drivers will also find it uncomfortable to drive without any shoes on for more than a few minutes because of the amount of pressure it places on bare feet.
If the feet become sweaty or wet, they can easily slip and cause an accident.
Failing to wear shoes can compromise your ability to apply the same amount of force to the brake pedal.
Drivers may want to avoid wearing shoes that have soles thicker than 10mm.
Heavy shoes can limit the movement of the ankle and make it challenging to control the car.
Is It Legal To Drive With Flip Flops In California?
There are currently not any laws in place in California that prevent drivers from wearing flip flops or sandals while driving a car.
However, some experts suggest this isn’t the safest type of shoe to wear.
A poor choice in footwear may not comply with this type of law and cause drivers to get ticketed.
Statistics show that flip flops actually cause an average of 1.4 million accidents every year.
It causes drivers to have a slower response time, which can make it difficult to slow down if there are hazards present on the road.
Studies have shown that flip flops can make it take longer to reduce the speed of the car by 0.13 seconds.
This extra second is essential to avoid an accident in an emergency situation.
27 percent of drivers also say wearing flip flops have lead to accidents in the past.
Also, flip flops can fall off the feet easily and become wedged between the pedals and the floor, leading to an accident.
There are still penalties for wearing sandals in some states in the U.S.
Is It Better To Drive With Flip Flops Or Barefoot?
There are no studies that indicate wearing flip flops or driving barefoot is safer, but there are a few factors to consider.
Driving barefoot can allow you to get a better feel for the pedal and how much pressure you’re applying, but it may also not give you enough strength to press on the gas or brake compared to wearing a flip flop.
Driving while wearing flip flops may allow you to have more grip on the pedal.
The area under the feet is sensitive and can become sore when it has contact with the pedal for a long period of time.
Wearing a sandal can offer some protection and make it easier to drive for more than an hour at a time.
Flip flops also pose a risk while driving because they can slip off easily if you move your foot too quickly.
This can cause the sandal to become lodged underneath the pedal and make it difficult to stop the vehicle or increase your speed, increasing the risk of a car accident.
If you’re driving a shorter distance, it may be safer to drive barefoot rather than with flip flops.
However, it’s easier to wear shoes and always have them available in your trunk or backseat to ensure you can drive safely and avoid potential accidents that can occur if you’re not prepared.
