When it comes to driving, many people wonder about the legality of wearing certain types of footwear, like flip-flops or driving barefoot.
Some believe these practices are unsafe, while others are concerned about potential legal consequences.
If you’re in Iowa and wondering whether it’s illegal to drive barefoot or in flip-flops, here’s what you need to know.
Is It Illegal to Drive with Flip-flops in Des Moines, Iowa?
In Iowa, there is no law that makes it illegal to drive while wearing flip-flops or barefoot. Driving in flip-flops is legal in all 50 states, including Iowa. However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s recommended.
While you won’t face a ticket for wearing flip-flops or being barefoot behind the wheel, these types of footwear can lead to distractions that might increase your risk of accidents.
Is Distracted Driving a Cause for Concern?
Distracted driving is a serious issue, and it’s one of the leading causes of accidents in the United States. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 3,100 people died, and approximately 424,000 were injured due to distracted driving.
Although there is no law specifically banning flip-flops or barefoot driving, wearing footwear that distracts you or hampers your ability to control the car can lead to accidents and potential legal consequences.
Is It More Dangerous to Drive in Flip-flops Than Barefoot?
There’s no definitive study showing that driving in flip-flops is more dangerous than driving barefoot. However, both can present safety risks. Driving barefoot could expose your feet to injury in case of an accident, while flip-flops might cause distractions.
The straps of flip-flops can get caught on the accelerator or brake pedals, making it difficult to brake when needed, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Although there are no specific laws against either practice, it’s important to consider comfort and safety. If flip-flops or barefoot driving make you uncomfortable or distracted, it might be a good idea to wear more appropriate footwear.
Reasons Why Drivers Should Avoid Driving in Flip-flops or Barefoot
There are several reasons why it’s advisable to avoid driving in flip-flops or barefoot, even though it’s not illegal:
- Foot Injuries: In the event of a crash, flip-flops provide minimal protection, leaving your feet vulnerable to injury.
- Increased Risk of Accident: Barefoot drivers risk injury from sharp objects like broken glass in the event of a crash.
- Distraction: Both flip-flops and barefoot driving can lead to distractions, especially if the footwear gets caught in the pedals. A distracted driver is more likely to make a mistake on the road, which can lead to accidents.
What Are the Consequences of Driving Barefoot or with Flip-flops in Des Moines, Iowa?
While driving barefoot or in flip-flops is legal in Iowa, drivers can still face legal consequences if their choice of footwear leads to unsafe driving.
If an officer believes that your footwear is distracting or impeding your ability to drive safely, they could pull you over and issue a citation for distracted driving.
Although there are no direct penalties for wearing flip-flops or going barefoot, if your choice of footwear leads to an accident, you may be held legally responsible for the damages. This could result in fines, higher insurance premiums, and civil liability for any accidents caused.
Are There Any Legal Repercussions of Driving Barefoot or with Flip-flops in Des Moines, Iowa?
Even though it’s legal to drive barefoot or in flip-flops, there are still potential legal repercussions if your footwear leads to distracted driving or an accident. If your driving becomes impaired or distracted, you may be held liable for damages.
Under Iowa’s personal injury law, drivers are expected to adhere to traffic laws and practice safe driving at all times.
If an accident occurs due to a driver’s negligence—such as distracted driving caused by improper footwear—injured victims may file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company.
In Iowa, driving barefoot or in flip-flops is not illegal, but these choices can lead to safety concerns and potential legal consequences if they result in distracted driving.
Although you won’t face penalties for wearing flip-flops or going barefoot, it’s important to prioritize safety by choosing footwear that allows for proper control of the vehicle.
If you are involved in an accident because of unsafe driving due to improper footwear, you could face civil liability and higher insurance premiums.
