Driving barefoot in Arizona is not illegal. There is no state law, municipal ordinance, or regulation in Arizona that prohibits operating a motor vehicle without wearing shoes. This means you cannot be ticketed or cited simply for driving barefoot, and law enforcement agencies, including the Arizona Department of Transportation, have confirmed that barefoot driving is not a traffic violation3139. The belief that driving barefoot is illegal is a persistent urban myth, not just in Arizona but across the United States. In fact, all 50 states allow drivers to operate vehicles barefoot, as confirmed by multiple sources and even a widely cited effort in the 1990s when a man wrote to all state motor vehicle departments for clarification.
While driving barefoot is legal in Arizona, it is important to consider the potential risks and complications associated with this practice. Barefoot driving can compromise pedal control, especially if your feet are sweaty or wet, increasing the risk of slipping off the brake or accelerator and potentially causing an accident156. In emergency situations, such as sudden braking or maneuvering, the lack of grip or force from bare feet may delay reaction times. Additionally, if you are involved in a crash, being barefoot can expose your feet to hazards like broken glass, hot pavement, or sharp debris, making it harder to exit the vehicle safely or assist others in an emergency.
There are also potential foot health risks to consider. Prolonged barefoot driving can lead to discomfort or complications such as metatarsalgia, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, or other pedal-related injuries15. For individuals with existing foot conditions, driving barefoot may exacerbate symptoms or result in new injuries. Medical professionals recommend wearing appropriate footwear to protect your feet and maintain optimal control while driving.
Despite these risks, some experts argue that driving barefoot may be safer than driving with certain types of footwear, such as flip-flops, high heels, or heavy boots, which can get caught under pedals or slip off during driving567. However, the safest option is generally to wear closed-toe shoes with thin, flexible soles that provide good pedal feedback and grip.
From a legal standpoint, while you cannot be cited for driving barefoot alone, your choice of footwear—or lack thereof—can become a factor if you are involved in an accident. If law enforcement determines that driving barefoot contributed to the cause of a crash, you could be cited for reckless or negligent driving, or face increased civil liability349. Courts may consider barefoot driving a contributing factor in assigning fault, and insurance companies could deny claims if they find that driving without shoes played a role in the collision.
Driving barefoot in Arizona is legal, but it is not necessarily safe or recommended. The law allows you to drive without shoes, but you should be aware of the potential risks to your safety, your health, and your legal standing in the event of an accident. Wearing appropriate footwear is the best way to ensure optimal control, protect your feet, and reduce the risk of legal complications on the road.
Sources
[1] https://www.roadrunnerfootandankle.com/blog/1186677-driving-barefoot-in-arizona-risks-and-foot-complications
[2] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
[3] https://thewrangler.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-arizona-heres-what-law-says/2025/06/02/
[4] https://www.superlawyers.com/resources/traffic-violations/driving-barefoot-is-it-legal/
[5] https://owossoindependent.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-arizona-heres-what-law-says/
