Driving barefoot is not illegal in Vermont. There are no state laws or regulations that prohibit operating a motor vehicle without shoes. This is a common misconception, but Vermont-like every other U.S. state-does not have any statutes specifically forbidding barefoot driving.
What Vermont Law Actually Says
- No Statewide Ban: Vermont law does not mention footwear requirements for drivers of passenger vehicles. You are legally allowed to drive barefoot, whether you’re in a car, truck, or other standard vehicle.
- No Local Ordinances: There is no evidence of any local Vermont ordinances that prohibit barefoot driving. While municipalities theoretically could pass such rules, this is extremely rare in practice.
Safety and Liability Considerations
- Safety Risks: While legal, driving barefoot is not always considered the safest option. Experts caution that bare feet may slip off pedals more easily than shoes, potentially reducing your control over the vehicle.
- Insurance and Accidents: If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, law enforcement or insurance companies could argue that your lack of footwear contributed to the crash. In such cases, you might face increased insurance premiums or even be cited for reckless or negligent driving if your driving was affected by being barefoot.
- No Direct Citations: You cannot receive a ticket in Vermont simply for driving barefoot. However, if your lack of footwear leads to unsafe driving or an accident, you could be cited under general reckless or negligent driving laws.
Motorcycles and Special Vehicles
- Motorcycles: While Vermont law does not require footwear for car drivers, motorcyclists are generally advised (and sometimes required by safety guidelines) to wear proper footwear for protection, though there is no explicit legal requirement.
Common Misconceptions
- Urban Legend: The belief that driving barefoot is illegal is widespread, but it is not based on actual law. This myth persists across the U.S., but no state-including Vermont-bans the practice for standard vehicles.
Table
| Situation | Legal in Vermont? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driving a car barefoot | Yes | No law prohibits it |
| Receiving a ticket for being barefoot | No | Unless it causes reckless/negligent driving |
| Barefoot motorcycle riding | Not illegal | Strongly discouraged for safety |
| Insurance issues after accident | Possible | If barefoot driving contributed to the accident |
It is perfectly legal to drive barefoot in Vermont. However, if your lack of footwear contributes to an accident or unsafe driving, you could still face consequences under general traffic safety laws. For optimal safety and to avoid insurance complications, it’s recommended to wear secure, appropriate footwear while driving.
Sources
[1] https://www.localmotion.org/safe_passing_is_now_vermont_law
[2] https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[3] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
[4] https://safestreets.vermont.gov/vermont-walk-and-bike-safety-laws
[5] https://ground.news/article/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-vermont-heres-what-the-law-says_9ebd0c
