Is Driving Barefoot Against The Law In Minnesota?

It's one of those driving myths that just won't go away: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota?

If you ask Carl across the street, he might tell you that you will for sure get pulled over and ticketed if you get behind the wheel and start driving without shoes on.  But your BFF Brenda is 100% confident that you can kick off those sandy shoes you just wore to the lake and have those toes as free as the day you were born.

READ MORE: Items Banned At The Minnesota State Fair This Year

Is It Illegal To Drive Barefoot In Minnesota? Here's What State Law Says

The short answer: Yes, it is legal to drive barefoot in Minnesota.  According to Forbes Advisor, Minnesota is a state where drivers are not required to wear shoes while driving.

That means, if you are leaving the beach and hopping in your car without your shoes on to make a run to Kwik Trip, you are not breaking the law.

person in brown shorts and black flip flops standing beside car

Some Shoes Can Actually Be More Dangerous Than Bare Feet

Have you ever had a shoe slip off of your foot and get stuck under the pedal while you were driving?  If you are shocked by that statement...I'll just tell you right now, it happens.  I know because it has happened to me while wearing flip-flops.

According to SELF magazine, 7% of people wearing flip-flops said they almost got in an accident because of issues wearing those while driving.  And 25% of drivers have admitted that a flip-flop has caused a driving mishap or accident.

The Zebra and Bankrate put a list together of the worst shoes to wear while driving...and look, flip-flops are right there on the top.  The footwear that are loose or unstable and can interfere with the pedals are:

• flip-flops
• open-heeled sandals
• wedge heels
• high heels
• shoes with long laces
• thick-soled boots
• slippery-soled shoes
• loose slip-on shoes

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Is Driving Barefoot The Safest Option?

Looking at that list of shoes above, it might seem like going barefoot is a better option.  Since going barefoot is legal, it doesn't mean that it is the safest option.  Here's why:

Reduced Pedal Grip:  During a situation where you need to break an emergency, bare feet may not provide consistent pressure to the pedal or have as much traction as a shoe.

Wet Feet Can Slip: If you just got out of the pool or got in your car while it was raining, your feet could slide off the pedals more easily when they are wet.

Less Protection During A Crash:  If an accident does unfortunately happen, sharp metal, debris, and glass could be part of the accident scene.  Having shoes on will help keep your feet safe.

The Bottom Line

If you thought it was illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota, you aren't alone.  It is a very common myth.

Is barefoot driving the safest option? No.