It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Oregon. There are no state laws or statutes that prohibit operating a motor vehicle without shoes. Driving barefoot is legal across all 50 states in the U.S., including Oregon. However, while legally permitted, driving barefoot is generally discouraged by safety experts because it may reduce your control over vehicle pedals and increase the risk of accidents. Bare feet can slip off pedals more easily compared to shoes with good traction, and footwear also protects your feet in the event of an accident.
In Oregon, you can legally drive barefoot as long as you can do so safely. However, if barefoot driving causes unsafe driving behaviors — such as delayed braking or loss of pedal control — you could be ticketed for reckless or distracted driving. Moreover, being barefoot may be a factor considered in liability or insurance claims if you are involved in a collision.
Many driving safety experts recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes with rubber soles for the best control and foot protection. Shoes like flip-flops, high heels, or loose sandals are not recommended due to the risk they pose of getting caught on pedals or slipping.
While Oregon law does not forbid driving barefoot, it is safest to wear appropriate footwear while driving to ensure maximum control and reduce accident risk. If driving barefoot compromises your ability to control the vehicle or contributes to unsafe driving, you could face legal or insurance consequences.
Sources
[1] https://tillmannlaw.com/blog/is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot-in-oregon/
[2] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/legal-drive-barefoot-oregon-heres-110313601.html
[4] https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_manual/study-section_7.aspx
[5] https://mokaraminjurylawyers.com/blogs/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-the-usa/
