It is not illegal to drive barefoot in North Carolina. There is no state law that prohibits operating a motor vehicle without shoes, and the common belief that barefoot driving is against the law is a myth. You will not receive a ticket simply for driving barefoot, and law enforcement does not actively cite drivers for this alone.
However, while barefoot driving is legal, it can become an issue if it leads to unsafe driving or contributes to an accident. If an officer determines that your lack of footwear played a role in losing control of the vehicle or causing a crash, you may be cited for reckless or careless driving.
Additionally, insurance companies in North Carolina may argue that driving barefoot contributed to negligence in an accident, which could affect your ability to receive compensation for damages, especially since North Carolina follows contributory negligence rules.
Driving barefoot is legal in North Carolina, but if it results in unsafe driving or an accident, you could face legal or insurance consequences. For safety and to avoid potential liability, it is generally recommended to wear secure, slip-resistant footwear while driving.
Sources
[1] https://news.yahoo.com/illegal-drive-barefoot-nc-drive-180542859.html
[2] https://www.cblawnc.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-nc/
[3] https://brittattorney.com/4-driving-myths-in-north-carolina/
[4] https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
[5] https://www.iredellfreenews.com/lifestyles/2025/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-nc/
