If you’ve ever wondered whether driving barefoot in Oregon is against the law, you’re not alone. Many drivers kick off their shoes on long trips or after a long day—especially in the summer. But is it actually legal? And more importantly, is it safe?
Let’s clear up the confusion around barefoot driving in Oregon, what the law says, and how it might affect your safety, insurance, or accident claims.
Is It Legal to Drive Barefoot in Oregon?
Yes, it is completely legal to drive barefoot in Oregon. In fact, no U.S. state outright bans barefoot driving. The idea that it’s illegal is one of the most common driving myths.
However, just because it’s legal doesn’t always mean it’s the best or safest choice.
When Driving Barefoot Can Get You in Trouble
While Oregon law doesn’t ban barefoot driving, police can still cite you if your choice of footwear (or lack of it) causes you to drive unsafely or recklessly.
For example, if your bare feet slip off the brake or get tangled in floor mats and you cause an accident, you could be held liable for distracted or careless driving.
In such cases, you could be ticketed, and your insurance company might deny your claim if the barefoot driving is considered a contributing factor to the crash.
Why Driving Barefoot Isn’t Always Safe
Driving barefoot might feel more relaxed, but there are several safety concerns:
Reduced pedal control: You have less traction and less force when pressing the brake or gas pedals.
Risk of injury: In a crash, your feet are much more exposed to glass, debris, or metal.
Inconsistent feel: The pedals may feel unfamiliar under bare feet, which can cause hesitation or distraction.
Slippage: Bare feet are more likely to slip off the pedal—especially if your foot is wet or sweaty.
When Barefoot Driving Might Be Safer
Interestingly, there are times when driving barefoot is safer than wearing certain types of shoes. These include:
High heels – can reduce pedal feel and get caught under pedals.
Flip-flops – can slide off or wedge under pedals.
Wedge heels or platform shoes – reduce your ability to judge pedal pressure.
Shoes with long laces – can wrap around pedals and create entanglements.
In these cases, driving barefoot might be a better option if you don’t have a pair of driving-safe shoes with you.
Best Footwear for Safe Driving
If you’re going to drive, the safest shoes are:
Closed-toe sneakers or flats
Rubber-soled shoes for better grip
Secure-fit shoes that don’t slip off easily
Avoid loose, bulky, or slippery shoes that might affect how well you can control the pedals.
What If You’re in an Accident While Driving Barefoot?
Even though it’s legal, being barefoot might affect how fault is determined in an accident. If it’s shown that you lost control of the vehicle because you were barefoot, a court could find that you acted carelessly or negligently.
This could:
Affect your ability to recover damages
Reduce or eliminate insurance payouts
Make you vulnerable to a personal injury lawsuit
If you’re involved in an accident in Portland or anywhere in Oregon, and you were barefoot, it’s a good idea to speak to a personal injury attorney right away.
Driving barefoot in Oregon is legal, but it’s not always smart. If your bare feet lead to unsafe driving or an accident, you may still face legal consequences. The safest bet? Wear comfortable, secure, closed-toe shoes with good grip whenever you get behind the wheel.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving questions of driving safety, contact a qualified attorney in Oregon to help protect your rights and guide you through any legal issues.