In Utah, it is not illegal to drive barefoot. Utah law does not require drivers to wear shoes while operating a motor vehicle. This means you can legally drive without wearing any footwear. However, though legal, driving barefoot is generally discouraged by safety experts and the Utah Highway Patrol.
The main reason for the recommendation against barefoot driving is safety. Bare feet are more likely to slip off the pedals, especially if there are liquids or debris on the car floor near the pedals, which could impair your ability to accelerate or brake properly. Additionally, in case of an accident, driving barefoot could be seen as contributing to recklessness or unsafe operation of a vehicle, potentially leading to citations such as reckless driving.
While driving barefoot is legal in Utah and all other states, wearing proper, non-slip shoes provides better control of the vehicle and helps protect your feet from potential injuries. So, while you can drive barefoot without breaking the law in Utah, it’s safest to keep your shoes on when behind the wheel.
Sources
[1] https://sportsradio977.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-utah/
[2] https://www.oremtoyota.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[3] https://utahinjurylawyers.com/what-is-the-appropriate-driving-footwear/
[4] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[5] https://insurify.com/car-insurance/knowledge/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/