It is not illegal to drive barefoot in South Carolina. The state does not have any laws prohibiting drivers from operating a vehicle without shoes, nor does it ban driving in flip flops or sandals. This misconception—that driving barefoot is illegal—is common, but in reality, there are no such restrictions in South Carolina or in any other state in the U.S.
However, while driving barefoot is legal, it is generally not recommended from a safety perspective. Without proper footwear, such as shoes that fit securely and provide good traction, your feet might slip off the pedals or fail to apply adequate pressure when braking or accelerating. These issues can compromise your control over the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents. Law enforcement and many driving safety organizations discourage barefoot driving precisely for these reasons, and car insurance companies may scrutinize accidents where lack of footwear is a factor.
If you are involved in an accident and authorities determine that driving barefoot contributed to the incident, you could potentially face charges such as reckless driving or be found liable for negligence. This can affect legal proceedings and insurance claims; some insurers may even deny coverage if improper footwear is determined to be a cause of the accident. South Carolina courts, under comparative negligence rules, may also reduce your compensation if unsafe driving practices like barefoot driving are deemed a contributing factor.
Driving barefoot in South Carolina is entirely legal, and there is no risk of being ticketed simply for lack of shoes. Still, driving with secure footwear improves safety and protects you from liability in the event of an accident. Always strive for shoes that stay on your feet, provide traction, and allow precise control of the pedals. While the law is clear, your choice of footwear could affect your safety and responsibility on the road.
Sources
[1] https://www.tedlaw.com/drive-with-flip-flops-charleston-sc/
[2] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/08/07/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-south-carolina-heres-what-law-says/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/864law_is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot-in-south-activity-7228163792377987072-X6s_
[4] https://www.yahoo.com/news/illegal-drive-without-shoes-sc-100000452.html
[5] https://insurify.com/car-insurance/knowledge/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
