It is not illegal to drive barefoot in New Mexico. There are no state laws or regulations prohibiting drivers from operating a motor vehicle without shoes in New Mexico or in any other U.S. state. This common misconception has persisted for decades, but state agencies and legal experts confirm that barefoot driving is perfectly legal.
However, while the law allows barefoot driving, safety authorities and insurance companies generally discourage the practice. Driving without shoes can reduce your grip and control on the pedals, potentially increasing the risk of an accident. If your footwear—or lack thereof—contributes to a crash or impairs your ability to drive safely, you could still be cited for negligent or reckless driving under general traffic safety statutes. For example, if you are involved in an accident and it is determined that being barefoot was a factor in causing the incident, you might face traffic violations or have your insurance claim affected.
There are also no local ordinances in New Mexico that specifically ban barefoot driving, but as with all traffic laws, safe operation of your vehicle is required at all times. The only exception in some states relates to motorcycle riders, but in New Mexico, even motorcycle barefoot riding is not specifically outlawed.
Driving barefoot in New Mexico is legal, but if it results in unsafe driving or contributes to an accident, you could still be held responsible under broader traffic laws. For optimal safety and control, it is recommended to wear secure, closed-toe shoes when driving.
Sources
[1] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
[2] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/12/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-new-mexico-heres-what-law-says/
[3] https://teamjustice.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[4] https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
[5] https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
