Is it OK to drive with flip flops on or without shoes in SC? Here’s what the law says
Driving without wearing a seat belt has been illegal in the U.S. for decades to help save drivers from serious harm or death in a wreck.
By that same reasoning, it is illegal in South Carolina and other states to text on a smartphone and drive at the same time. So then, what about driving with inappropriate footwear or no footwear at all?
Not wearing proper shoes while driving could potentially lead to mishaps.
Here’s what South Carolina law says about footwear while driving.
SC footwear and driving law
Despite popular belief, it is completely legal to drive in South Carolina or any other state without shoes on, according to Beach Automotive Group in Myrtle Beach. The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn, P.A., based in Florida, also states that South Carolina has no law that prohibits driving without footwear.
“Many drivers assume that it is illegal to drive barefoot in the US,” The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn states on its website. “This belief has become somewhat of an urban legend in the country. However, the truth is that there is no federal law prohibiting people from driving without shoes.”
Driving in flip flops
There are also no driving laws in South Carolina or other state that prohibits wearing flip flops, according to findlaw.com.
“While drivers are required to operate vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, states don’t list acceptable and unacceptable footwear in their traffic statutes,” findlaw.com states on its website.
What about safety?
Just because something is legal, that does not mean it is an advisable thing to do. Beach Automotive Group states that without proper footwear, there’s always the chance that your foot could slip off a pedal, which could lead to an accident. Also, your socks or discarded shoes may get caught under the brake or gas pedal, which again could lead to an accident.
And then there are flip flops, which could slide off while you’re driving, an action that would be less than ideal.
SC court problems
While it isn’t illegal to drive without proper footwear, you may still face repercussions in an accident. The Law Offices of Jared Spingarn states that getting into an accident while driving without shoes may lead to the other driver suing for damages.
“Once you go to court, the judge may decide that by not wearing shoes, you were negligent or reckless and rule against you,” the law office states.
Also, many car insurance companies may not cover drivers involved in accidents who didn’t have on proper footwear.
“This is because car insurance companies believe that barefoot driving is more dangerous than driving with shoes,” the law firm states.
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
