Curiosity about driving barefoot pops up more often than you might think, especially when the weather is warm. Many people have heard it’s illegal to drive barefoot – maybe from a parent, a driver’s ed teacher, or a friend. However, that rumor holds no weight in Maryland.
No state law requires drivers to wear shoes while behind the wheel. You can legally drive barefoot if you want, so you don’t need to worry about becoming a criminal defendant just for this choice.
The Police Cannot Stop You Just for Driving Without Shoes
If a police officer sees you get into your car or somehow notices you’re driving barefoot, that’s not a reason to pull you over, given that driving barefoot is not illegal in Maryland. Law enforcement can only stop drivers when they have an actual reason (reasonable suspicion) – like speeding or a broken taillight.
Seeing your bare feet does not give officers legal grounds to make a traffic stop or issue a ticket. There must be some other clear traffic violation.
Why Going Barefoot Might Still Be a Bad Idea
Even though there is no law against it, driving without shoes is a risk. While some drivers find they control the pedals better barefoot, others lose that balance and grip, especially if their feet sweat or get wet. Sometimes a bare foot can slide off suddenly, which might make you lose control.
If you end up having to slam the brakes or make a sharp turn, the little things like losing your grip can matter. It could end up making you get into a car accident in some cases.
Bare Feet and Finding Fault for an Accident
After a collision, police, lawyers, and insurance companies look closely at what happened to determine if anyone was driving recklessly, who was at fault, and who is entitled to compensation for their injuries, if anyone.
If it’s believed that you caused the crash because your foot slipped and you lost control, it can cause serious problems. Maryland uses contributory negligence, which means if you’re in an accident and you played a role in causing it in any way, you cannot recover any compensation.
This means if you contribute to an accident because of being barefoot – even if the other driver is almost completely at fault – it could leave you seriously injured and unable to get money that would otherwise be owed to you.
Could Driving Barefoot Support Criminal Charges After a Fatal Crash?
In Maryland, driving without shoes is legal by itself. No regulation says you are not allowed to do it. Still, someone involved in a fatal crash should know that every action behind the wheel can come into question, especially if charged with a crime.
Safety Tips if You Decide To Drive Barefoot
While it’s not illegal to drive without shoes, it can come with some risks and be more dangerous. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your feet and pedals dry: Bare feet will give you a different feeling than you get from driving in shoes, especially on sensitive pedals like the brake. If your feet are wet or sweaty, your foot could slip off. Try rubbing your feet on a dry mat before driving, and make sure there’s nothing slick on your pedals.
- Be careful about where you leave your shoes: A bigger danger than barefoot driving could be your shoes ending up in the wrong place. If you take your shoes off, don’t put them anywhere that could lead them to slide under your pedal – this can lead to serious accidents.
- Think about emergency situations: Driving might feel easier barefoot for some, but consider emergency situations when you might need to react fast. Running from the car, changing a tire, or walking for help on hot asphalt all become much harder if you don’t have shoes on.
Make sure you keep a pair in the car with you within reach so you can keep yourself safe.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Driving barefoot in Maryland is legal, but it can still create safety risks and potential legal complications if it contributes to an accident. Understanding how your actions behind the wheel may impact fault and liability is essential.
If you’re facing criminal charges or allegations after a crash, a Maryland criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through your options. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
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25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
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11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
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Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771