Driving barefoot in West Virginia is not illegal. There is no state law or regulation that prohibits operating a motor vehicle without shoes in West Virginia, nor is there any such prohibition at the federal level. This aligns with the laws across all 50 U.S. states, where barefoot driving is permitted.
However, while it is legal, safety experts and law enforcement generally advise against driving barefoot due to potential risks such as reduced pedal control, increased chances of slipping, or foot injury in the event of an accident. If being barefoot contributes to reckless or negligent driving—especially if it results in an accident—you could still be cited for those offenses, but not specifically for driving without shoes.
Driving barefoot is legal in West Virginia, but it is not recommended for safety reasons. Always prioritize safe driving practices and consider wearing appropriate footwear while behind the wheel.
Sources
[1] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
[2] https://www.palermolawgroup.com/blog/driving-without-shoes
[3] https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
[4] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[5] https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
