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:
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Texas? What the law says before you ditch the shoes
Reporting by Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
