Driving barefoot in Rhode Island is not illegal—there is no state law prohibiting barefoot driving, and this practice is legal in all 50 states except for some motorcycle-specific rules in Alabama.
Legal Status in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island does not have any statute banning barefoot driving, so drivers are free to operate vehicles without shoes.
- This is consistent nationwide, as no state explicitly prohibits barefoot car driving (the exception is motorcycle riders in Alabama).
Safety Considerations
- While legal, safety experts caution that driving barefoot may increase accident risk—for example, bare or wet feet may slip off pedals and reduce control.
- If barefoot driving directly causes reckless, careless driving, or an accident, authorities may cite the driver for related infractions—but being barefoot alone is not the offense.
Practical Advice
- Most recommendations advise wearing closed shoes, but Rhode Island drivers are not required to do so by law.
- Insurance companies may question claims if barefoot driving contributed to an accident.
In summary, barefoot driving is legal in Rhode Island, but drivers should consider safety implications before going without footwear behind the wheel.
Sources
(https://wbsm.com/massachusetts-rhode-island-driving-barefoot/)
(https://hirejared.com/injuries/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/)
(https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/)
(https://mokaraminjurylawyers.com/blogs/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-the-usa/)
(https://www.myimprov.com/barefoot-driving-legal-but-not-recommended/)
