In New York, the law requires drivers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner in order to protect themselves, other drivers, and pedestrians. In addition to this general requirement, there are specific rules that must be followed when driving on the roads of New York to ensure that drivers manage distractions and avoid negligence while behind the wheel.

It is a common misconception that driving without shoes is illegal. While there is no specific law prohibiting any kind of footwear or lack thereof while behind the wheel, it can still result in a driver being held liable for an accident.

In this article, Bronx car accident attorneys Glenn and Robin Herman discuss the legality of driving barefoot and how it can affect liability in personal injury cases.

Is It Illegal to Drive Barefoot in New York?

New York State has no laws requiring that drivers wear shoes or other footwear while they drive, nor are there any laws on the books prohibiting barefoot driving or wearing a specific kind of footwear when you drive. It is therefore legal to drive barefoot, but that doesn’t mean that barefoot drivers can’t be held liable for damages if being barefoot causes them to drive negligently.

Drivers are expected to maintain a duty of care while behind the wheel, which means that they are obligated to drive with regard for the safety of pedestrians, passengers, and other motorists on the road, and avoid actions that may cause harm to others. Because driving barefoot or while wearing just socks gives drivers less control over the pedals, it can lead to negligent driving. In other words, while driving barefoot itself isn’t considered negligent, it can cause a driver to behave negligently. For example, it isn’t illegal to drink hot coffee while driving in New York, but if you were to spill…