Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Arizona?

• What Arizona Law says about driving barefoot
• Safety Issues
• Why it's best to where good shoes when driving

Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in Arizona?

Official flip-flop season will be here before you know it. I say official because let's be real, in Arizona, we can wear open-toe shoes almost year-round. Some of my friends opt for flip-flops, no matter how cold it gets.

When it gets especially hot here, there are days I just want to kick my shoes off, especially before I hit the road. But is it illegal to drive barefoot in the Grand Canyon State? Is it even safe? 

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Driving Barefoot in Arizona: Legal, But Not Recommended

I checked with the Arizona Department of Transportation for the legal on this one. Are drivers breaking the law by ditching their kicks before getting behind the wheel?

The answer to the first question is no. Driving barefoot is not against the law in Arizona. There's no state law prohibiting someone from driving without shoes. The second question, is it safe, is a little more complicated.

We're tempted to drive barefoot because:

• It's comfortable
• It's convenient
• It's nice to let our feet "breathe," especially on a hot day

Why You Probably Shouldn't Drive Barefoot in Arizona

What's the big deal, right? If I want to kick off my shoes while I'm driving, who will ever know?

Driving barefoot might make our hot, tired feet feel better, but it could be risky. Your bare feet don't have the grip or force to operate the pedals. When you're wearing a shoe - even flip-flips - you have more surface area to grip that brake and accelerator.

And what if your feet are wet or sweaty? They could easily slip off the pedals, causing you to lose control of your vehicle or even delay your reaction in an emergency.

Why You Don't Want Bare Feet in An Emergency

Here's one more situation you might not have considered. If you end up in a crash, a fire, or another emergency on the road, you're especially at risk if you're rocking bare feet.

Consider this: will you be able to find your shoes before stepping out of your vehicle?

If you have to leave your car following an accident, you could step on broken glass, hot asphalt, or metal fragments. Your unprotected feet could delay your ability to get to safety or to help others.

Experts: It Might Be Safer to Drive Barefoot

Wait...what? Didn't we just discuss reasons it's a bad idea to drive barefoot?

The legal website GetJerry.com argues that there's at least one situation where driving sans shoes might be a better option and it could be safer than driving with shoes on.

Driving with certain types of footwear could be more dangerous. Shoes like flip-flops, high heels, or heavy boots could interfere with the pedal movement, slip off while driving, or get stuck under the pedals.

Driving Barefoot: The Bottom Line

Arizona is still a state that values personal responsibility, so ultimately, it's your choice to drive barefoot or not.

However, rather than driving without shoes, it's better to wear a good, solid pair of shoes and change into your questionable shoes at your destination.

While you won't get a ticket or warning just for driving barefoot in Arizona, if your footwear contributes to an accident, law enforcement could consider your bare feet contributing factors and hold you negligent or cite you for reckless driving.