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The AFU and Urban Legend Archive Legal Driving Barefoot driving barefoot
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The AFU and Urban Legend Archive Legal Driving Barefoot driving barefoot
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From: jrh@dixie.aiss.uiuc.edu (Jason R. Heimbaugh)
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban
Subject: The (Almost) Definitive Answer to Driving Barefoot in America (LONG)
Date: 27 Jul 1994 22:11:28 GMT
NOTE: I sent my initial letters to all 50 states, and the District of
Columbia two months ago and have received 42 replies. I don't
currently have the time to remail requests to the 9 dead beat, lazy
ass, worthless states that miserably failed to respond (Arizona,
Arkansas, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, South
Carolina Utah, and Washington). If you work for the DMV in one of
these states and are reading this here, it doesn't surprise me.
Anyways, I will send requests to state police departments sometime
in September when my schedule frees up. But, based on the parallel
information I've already received from AAA, I don't think the results
will be different.
Written & researched by: Jason R. Heimbaugh (jrh@uiuc.edu) URL: ftp://cathouse.org/pub/cathouse/urban.legends/legal/driving.barefoot Last updated: July 27, 1994
The AFU FAQ (dated June 10, 1994) says (quotation cited under fair use):
"WILD LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
F. Driving barefoot is illegal most places (Nope, but it's dumb to goad cops)
T. Driving barefoot is illegal in the state of Kentucky.
Copyrighted 1991-94. All rights reserved by Terry Chan (twchan@lbl.gov)."
I didn't like the "most places" phrase and would prefer a "everywhere except" phrase, so I sent a letter requesting information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (or the closest thing I could find) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The results show that the FAQ is almost right. The one error is that it is *not* illegal to drive barefoot in the state of Kentucky. This information comes from Charles F. Brown, Director, Division of Driver Licensing, who stated, "After a thorough search of chapters 189 and 281 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, I can find no evidence of any prohibition against operating a motor vehicle while being barefooted. I also contacted [the] Kentucky State Police's office of legal counsel. I was informed that they too know of no statutory limitations for driving while being barefooted."
Seward W. Goss, Administrative Assistant, Planning and Research Unit, Alabama Department of Public Safety, stated that while driving a car barefoot is legal, anyone operating or riding on a motorcycle is required to wear shoes ($32-5A-245. Headgear and shoes required for motorcycle riders; approval of headgear; responsiblity for juvenile riders; sale of helmets. Subsections (b) & (f).) See included law below for details.
Janet Wilcox, Analyst, Communications Section, Bureau of Driver & Vehicle Records, Michigan Department of State noted that while there is no law making driving barefoot illegal, "if a police officer feels that it is a careless driving practise, he may ticket you for careless driving." Not quite as strong, was Lt. Col. John F. Lyding, Director, Division of Driver Licensing and School Vehicle Safety of the Maryland Department of Transportation who wrote:
"However, *in my opinion* [emphasis added], a law enforcement officer
might charge an individual under either of the two articles listed
below if the barefoot driving contributed to:
* $21-901(a) Reckless driving vehicle in wanton and willful
disregard for the safety of persons and property; or
* $21-901(b) Negligent driving vehicle in careless and
imprudent manner endangering property, life and person.
A driver charged under these articles or any article would have the
right to trial where the 'barefoot' aspect of the case might be
disputed."
Brian Grisham, Staff Attorney, Tennessee Department of Safety found no provision in the Tennessee Code Annotated about driving barefoot, but noted that a review of all local ordinances would be necessary in order to obtain an definitive answer. Blow me for not delving in that far - get it yourself if you need that much detail (don't forget the local ordinances in *all* states while you're at it).
In addition, the following states: Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Wyoming all made the point that even though it was not illegal, driving barefoot was unsafe and, therefore, not a recommended practise.
Based on this information, I would suggest changing the FAQ to read:
F. Driving barefoot is illegal. (Nope, but it's dumb to goad cops.) T. ...Unless you're operating/riding a motorcycle in Alabama. Tb....You *might* be ticketed in MI/MD for careless/reckless driving. T. ...It's not "recommended" by Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, or Wyoming. T. ...Jason *REALLY* needs to get laid^H^H^H^H a life.
Then again, 4 lines is an awful lot for such a trivial point. Oh well, this document turned out to be 1350 lines!
Indiana, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin informed me that
this and other information was available in the American Automobile
Association (AAA) book, "Digest of Motor Laws". This is the information
which AAA had obtained (this much material might be exceeding fair use, but
those bastards stranded me two straight times before I dropped them; they
still owe me):
American States
Alabama:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with
bare feet is permitted. Exception: motorcycle rider.
Ohio:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with
bare feet is permitted but not recommended.
California:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with
bare feet is not prohibited.
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,Florida,
Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia,
Wisconsin, and Wyoming:
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with
bare feet is permitted.
District of Columbia
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with
bare feet is permitted.
American Territories
American Samoa, Peurto Rico, Virgin Islands: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted.
Guam:
Driving Barefoot: No information.
Canadien Provinces & Territories
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, New Foundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted.
Notes:
Best Reproduction Error Award (My Fault):
drive barefoot.
Me^H^HSomeone: It's to keep the wimmin folk from drivin'.
What follows are my initial letter and all of the responses I received, reproduced as closely as plain ASCII characters can allow. Letterheads are also included for those wishing addresses for other inquiries.
May 27, 1994
[Department of Motor Vehicles]
Dear Sir,
There seems to be a common misconception that it is illegal to drive a car barefoot in most states (though this is believed to be true in the state of Kentucky.) My purpose in writing to you is to ask:
Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of [State]?
If yes, could you please include the relevant section(s) of the motor vehicle code?
Thank you for your time and effort in answering my questions,
Jason R. Heimbaugh
cc: Department of Motor Vehicles in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia
Alabama Department of Colonel George F. McMinn, Director
Public Safety Lt. Colonel Robert M. Patterson,
Assistant Director
June 2, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R.1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Jason:
Alabama does not have any laws requiring footwear except motorcycle operation or rider (copy enclosed). It is not illegal to drive a car barefoot in this state.
Thank you for your letter.
Sincerely,
Seward W. Goss
Administrative Assistant
Planning and Research Unit
SWG:br
Enclosure
Headquarters Driver License
Post Office Box 1511 Post Office Box 1471
Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1511 Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 32-5A-245 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC 188
$ 32-5A-245. Headgear and shoes required for motorcycle riders;
approval of headgear; responsibility for juvenile riders;
sale of helmets.
(a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven
cycle unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with
standards established by section 32-12-41.
(b) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven
cycle unless he is wearing shoes.
(c) This section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab.
(d) The director of public safety is hereby authorized to approve or
disapprove protective headgear, and to issue and enforce regulations establishing
standards and specifications for the approval thereof. The director
of public safety shall publish lists of all protective headgear which have
been approved by him.
(e) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or
she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motordriven
cycle while not wearing a protective helmet of the kind authorized
by section 32-12-41.
(f) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or
she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motordriven
cycle while not wearing shoes.
(g) No manufacturer, retailer or other person shall sell or offer for sale
motorcycle helmets that fail to comply with the standards established by
the director of public safety pursuant to this section. (Acts 1980, No.
80-434, p. 604 $ 13-106.)
Commentary
This section differs significantly from the previous Alabama laws on this subject, sections 32-12-40 through 32-12-44. Subsection (a) is in substantial conformity with the prior statute, section 32-12-40. There were no previous laws comparable to subsections (b), (c) or (d). Subsection (d) authorizes the director of public safety to set standards for helmets, and, since these may vary from time to time, especially as new materials become available, within the guidelines of the statutory requirements of sections 32-12-41 and 32-12-42. Subsections (e) and (g) are not to be found in the UVC, but are designed to carry over desirable provisions in prior Alabama law, sections 32-12-43 and 32-12-40 respectively. Subsections (d) and (f) and the portions of other subsections relating to the requirement that shoes worn are to be found neither in the prior Alabama laws nor in the UVC, but were added pursuant to amendments by the senate committee, and represent an additional and desirable safety provision.
Collateral references - 60 C.J.S., ALR3d 856.
Motor Vehicles, $ 43. Products liability: sufficiency of Validity of traffice regulations evidence to support product misuse requiring motorcyclists to wear defense in actions concerning protective headgear. 32 ALR3d 1270. commercial or industrial equipment Failure of motorcyclist to wear and machinery. 64 ALR4th 10. protective helmet or other safety Motrocyclist's failure to wear equipment as contributory negligence, helmet or other protective equipment assumption of risk, or failure to as affecting recov- [sic]
avoid consequences of accident. 40
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER P.O. BOX 111200
JUNEAU, ALASKA 99811-1200
PHONE: (907) 465-4322
FAX: (907) 465-4362
June 8, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R. R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh,
Your letter to the governor regarding driving barefoot was forwarded to me for a response.
The State of Alaska does not have a statute or an administrative regulation that prohibits driving barefoot.
If I can be of further assistence feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sergeant Daniel W. Lowden
Planning and Research Section
Alaska Department of Public Safety
PETE WILSON, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
P.O. BOX 932345
SACRAMENTO, CA 94232-3450
June 20, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R. R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
This is in reply to your letter of May 27, 1994, inquiring about the legality of driving a motor vehicle while barefoot.
I posed you question to the California Highway Patrol, Technical Services Section and was informed California has no specified requirements relating to operation of a motor vehicle and foot wear. A review of the California Vehicle Code failed to disclose a statute or law which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while barefoot.
I hope this information has answered your question. If you have any further questions, please contact me at (916) 657-6560.
Sincerely,
ELAINE MILLER
Public Inquiry Unit
A Public Service Agency
No.
There is no statue [sic] that required [sic] a person to wear foot gear, to operate a motor vehicle in this State,
[unsigned - big surprise]
60 STATE STREET TELEPHONE WETHERSFIELD, CT 06161 (203) 566-8797
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh,
There is no statute or regulation in the State of Connecticut which prohibits driving barefoot.
Don Bradley 6/10/94
STATE OF DELAWARE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
P.O. BOX 698
DOVER, DELAWARE 19903
June 7, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
I checked with our Delaware State Police Headquarters, and they said there is no law pertaining to driving barefoot here.
If I can be of further assistance, please contact this office.
Sincerely,
Andrea Roos
Drivers License
(302) 739-4497
ar
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR REPLY TO:
BUREAU OF ADJUDICATION Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services
BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES Office of the Chief
BUREAU OF PARKING SERVICES 301 C Street, N.W., Room 1018
BUREAU OF TRAFFIC SERVICES Washington, D.D. 20001
June 6, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
On behalf of Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, I am responding to your letter of May 27, 1994, concerning driving a vehicle barefoot.
The Metropolitan Police Department has advised this office that there is no District of Columbia regulation prohibiting driving a motor vehicle barefoot.
I hope this information will assist you in your research.
Sincerely,
James E. Nance
Chief
BUCKLE UP It's a Law we can live with
NO.
Department of Public Safety
Post Office Box 1456
Colonel Sid Miles Atlanta, Georgia 30371-2303 Wayne P. Yancey
Commissioner Director of Legal Services
June 27, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
Route 1 Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Your letter regarding the legality of driving barefoot in Georgia has been forwarded to the Legal Services Section for reply.
There is no law in Georgia that pertains to driving an automobile without any shoes.
Sincerely,
Melissa J. Lunsford
Legal Advisor
MJL:lrs
STATE OF IDAHO Cecil D. Andrus, Governor
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 7129 * BOISE, ID * 83707-1129 * 208/334-8000
June 6, 1994
JASON R HEIMBAUGH
RR 1 BOX 120
CHAMPAIGN IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
In the state of Idaho, it is not illegal to drive a car while barefoot. There is no motor vehicle code that relates to driving while barefoot.
Sincerely,
JANE CAVINESS
Driver Services Manager
JC:AS:\mds\daily.ltrw
June 9, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Thank you for your recent letter concerning the legality of operating a motor vehicle barefoot. It is always a pleasure to respond to citizens interested in familiarizing themselves with traffic laws.
You are correct in your belief that there may be a misconception concerning this issue. We do from time to time get inquiries such as yours. I am pleased to advise that there are no provisions in the Illinois Vehicle Code that prohibits operating a motor vehicle "barefoot".
I hope this information has been of interest. Please feel free to contact this office any time I may be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Greg O'Connor
Director
Drivers Services Department
GO'C:isb
STATE OF INDIANA STATE OF INDIANA
GILBERT L. HOLMES, Commissioner BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
100 NORTH SENATE AVENUE
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204
June 8, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Re: Barefoot Driving
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
I have received your inquiry into this topic. Barefoot driving is permitted in Indiana, though not recommended. If you do not hear from other states in this matter, or have questions about certain laws, and which states have adopted them, a handy guide would be the AAA Digest of Motor Laws, which lists each state's motor vehicle laws. This digest is available at any AAA branch, though I belive they do charge for it.
I hope this provides the information you needed. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Kelly R. Battershell
Staff Attorney
cc: Gilbert L. Holmes, Commissioner
An Equal Opportunity Employer
June 27, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
I am writing in response to your letter of May 27, 1994, where you inquired about Iowa's laws pertaining to driving barefoot.
There is no law in Iowa prohibiting driving barefoot. The practise is discouraged because of a concern that control on the various pedals may be inhibited with a bare foot more than if there was a shoe of some sort on the foot. The change in control may lead to an accident.
Feel free to contact this office if we may be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
STEVEN A. TUDOR
Senior Examiner
Office of Driver Services
SAT:mbh
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
DON C. KELLY, P.E. TRANSPORTATION CABINET BRERETON C. JONES
SECRETARY OF FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40622 GOVERNOR
TRANSPORTATION
JERRRY D. ANGLIN
DEPUTY SECRETARY
AND
COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS
June 24, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh,
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter of May 27, 1994. After a thorough search of chapters 189 and 281 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, I can find no evidence of any prohibition against operating a motor vehicle while being barefooted. I also contacted [the] Kentucky State Police's office of legal counsel. I was informed that they too know of no statutory limitations for driving while being barefooted.
I trust this answers your questions to your satisfaction. Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Brown, Director
Division of Driver Licensing
CB/RH/ds
KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET MISSION
"PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT, ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, AND FISCALLY
RESPONSIBLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WHICH PROMOTES ECONOMIC GROWTH AND
ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN KENTUCKY."
"AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE OF LOUISIANA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
EDWIN W. EDWARDS COL. PAUL W. FONTENOT
GOVERNOR SUPERINTENDENT
June 27, 1994
0420/241/BJG/0056
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Louisiana has no statute which requires footwear while operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is legal to drive while barefooted.
Sincerely,
Sergeant Bobby Guidroz
Public Affairs
Louisiana State Police
BJG:jws
COURTESY * LOYALTY * SERVICE OFFICE OF STATE POLICE, P.O. BOX 66614, BATON ROUGE, LA. 70896-6614
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Department of
the Secretary of State
G. William Diamond Gregory C. Hanscom
Secretary of State Deputy Secretary of State
Janet E. Waldron William E. Dowling
Assistant Secretary of State Asst. to Dep. Secretary of State
Robert E. O'Connell, Jr.
Dir., Driver Licensing & Control
June 3, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1 Box 120
Champaign, Il. 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh,
This is in response to your letter of May 27, 1994, in which you ask whether it is illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Maine. A brief review of our driving laws fail to show any statute that forbids a motorist from driving barefoot in the State of Maine.
Sincerely,
Susan C. Cookson
Assistant Director
Driver Licensing & Control
SCC/sp
State House Station #29, Augusta, Maine 04333-0029, Tel. (207) 287-2576
MVA MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION O. James Lighthizer
MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION Secretary
W. Marshall Rickert
Administrator
June 3, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
RE: Driving Barefoot
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Thank you for your inquiry concerning driving barefoot.
There is no specific statute requiring a driver to wear shoes. However, in my opinion, a law enforcement officer might charge an individual under either of the two articles listed below if the barefoot driving contributed to:
A driver charged under these articles or any article would have the right to trial where the "barefoot" aspect of the case might be disputed.
Sincerely,
Lt. Col. John F. Lyding
Director
Division of Driver Licensing
and School Vehicle Safety
410-768-7256
JFL/jl
MY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (410)-
6601 RITCHIE HIGHWAY, N.E., GLEN BURNIE, MARYLAND 21062
TELEPHONE TTY FOR THE DEAF 1-800-492-4575
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
M I C H I G A N D E P A R T M E N T O F S T A T E LANSING
RICHARD H. AUSTIN * SECRETARY OF STATE MICHIGAN 48918
STATE SECONDARY COMPLEX
June 3, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R R 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Your letter of May 27, 1994 requesting information on driving a vehicle barefoot has been referred to our department for a reply.
Michigan does not have a law prohibiting the driving of a motor vehicle without shoes. However, if a police officer feels that it is a careless driving practise, he may ticket you for careless driving.
If I can be of further assistance please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Janet Wilcox, Analyst
Communications Section
Bureau of Driver & Vehicle Records
JW/dld
Phone (517) 322-1166
Safety Belts and Slower Speeds Save Lives
6-7-94
Minnesota does not prohibit driving barefoot.
Gleason [best guess at signature]
No.
MEL CARNAHAN MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE JANETTE M. LOHMAN
GOVERNOR OFFICE OF LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS DIR. OF REVENUE
POST OFFICE BOX 629
JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65105-0629 RICK MOORE
PHONE: (314) 751-3100 FAX: (314) 526-4597 DIRECTOR
June 2, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
I am writing in response to your letter regarding the legality of operating a motor vehicle while barefoot.
I have been advised by Capt. Clarence Greeno of the Missouri State Highway Patrol that this act is not illegal in the State of Missouri. There are however, safety concerns associated with this practise. For example, it is felt that the driver of a motor vehicle may lack sufficient control over the foot controls or lack the ability to exert sufficient pressure on the brake in an emergency situation. For these reasons, this method of operating a motor vehicle is discouraged by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Please feel free to contact me if I may be of further assistance to you.
Sincerely,
Rick Moore
Director
RM/ji
AAA Digest of Motor Laws, sixtieth edition, p. 194 (photocopied & highlighted):
Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a dri-
ver with bare feet is permitted.
RECEIVED
MAY 31 1994
NE DEPT. MOTOR
VEHICLES
No.
STATE OF NEVADA
DEPARTMENT OF
MOTOR VEHICLES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL
555 Wright Way
BOB MILLER Carson City, Nevada 89711-0525 JAMES P. WELLER
Governor (702) 687-5300 Director
June 14, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1 box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted in the State of Nevada.
If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Thomas W. Hammill
Office of the Chief
Nevada Highway Patrol
TWH:pd
(609) 984-2974
June 8, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
This is in response to your inquiry concerning motor vehicle regulations.
In New Jersey, it is not illegal to operate a vehicle while barefoot.
We hope this addresses your concerns.
Sincerely,
Lora McQueen
ISM Correspondence Center
MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION
Driver Services Bureau
P. O. Box 1028
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1028
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
June 8, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R. R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
There is no statutory or regulatory prohibition in the State of New Mexico against operating a motor vehicle while barefooted.
Sincerely,
Jeannie Soto, Chief
Driver Services Bureau
STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
EMPIRE STATE PLAZA
ALBANY, NEW YORK 12228
PATRICIA B. ADDUCI
COMMISSIONER
LEGAL DIVISION
KATHY A. BENNETT NEAL W. SCHOEN
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER & COUNSEL FIRST ASSISTANT COUNSEL
June 17, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
This is in response to your letter of May 27, 1994. You ask whether it is illegal to drive barefoot in New York State.
Nothing in the Vehicle and Traffic Law or in the Commissioner's Regulations prohibits barefooted driving in this State.
I trust this information will assist you.
Very truly yours,
DEBORAH V. DUGAN
Assistant Counsel
DVD/hb
JASON R. HEIMBAUGH
R. R. 1 BOX 120
CHAMPAIGN, IL 61821
Dear Mr. HEIMBAUGH,
It is NOT illegal to drive barefoot in the state of North Carolina under our present Motor Vehicle Laws.
Sincerely,
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
CENTURY CENTER BLDG B
1020 BIRCH RIDGE ROAD
RALEIGH NC 27610
X FOR YOUR INFORMATION
_ PER OUR CONVERSATION
_ PER YOUR REQUEST
_ PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN
COMMENTS:
NO.
Ohio Department Charles D. Shipley, Col. Warren H. Davies,
of Public Safety Director Superintendent
240 Parsons Ave. Ohio State Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 7167 660 E. Main St.
Columbus, OH 43205-0167 Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 466-2550 (614) 466-2660
Mitchell J. Brown, Roger E. Glick,
Registrar Executive Administrator
Bureau of Motor Vehicles Emergency Medical Services
4300 Kimberly Parkway 240 Parsons Ave.
P.O. Box 16520 P.O. Box 7167
Columbus, OH 43266-0020 Columbus, OH 43205-0167
(614) 752-7500 (614) 466-9477 - (800) 233-0785
June 3, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R. R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL. 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
It is legal to drive barefoot in Ohio.
However, we do *recommend* that shoes be worn when operating a motor vehicle in our state.
Sincerely,
Leo Skinner, Chief
Public Information
Mission Statement ...to save lives, reduce injuries and economic losses on the streets and highways of Ohio, and to regulate driver licensing and vehicle registration
with the most cost effective methods available.
STATE OF OKLAHOMA
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
June 27, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
We received your correspondence dated May 27, 1994 regarding if it is illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Oklahoma? No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Oklahoma.
If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Lonnie Jarman, Director
Driver License Examining Division
LJ/ah
P.O. BOX 11415 * OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73136-0415 * 3600 NORTH KING
AVENUE * OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73111 * (405) 425-2424
Oregon
DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
DMV
June 1, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1 Box 120
CHAMPAIGN IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
There is no statute in the _Oregon Vehicle Code, 1993-94_, that says it is illegal to drive a car barefoot in the state of Oregon.
Sincerely,
Valerie Luhr
Office Coordinator
Driver Licensing Team
Driver Programs
1905 Lana Avenue NE
Salem, OR 97314
This page was taken from AAA Digest of Motor Laws.
"Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted."
Rhode Island Department of Transportation STATE OF Division of Motor Vehicles RHODE ISLAND Safety and Regulation AND PROVIDENCE Enforcement Section PLANTATIONS
345 Harris Avenue, Providence, R.I. 02909
June 3, 1994
Jason R. Meimbaugh [sic]
RR 1 Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr Heimbaugh:
This letter is in reference to your correspondence of May 27, 1994.
In Rhode Island, operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted.
Should you need or want further information concerning motor vehicle laws in any state, I suggest you contact your local AAA (American Automobile Association) and request information on obtaining a "Digest of Motor Laws", price is $8.95.
Sincerely,
THERESA M. PHILLIPS
Chief Investigator
TMP/jl
DIVISION OF HIGHWAY PATROL LOCATION:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND REGULATION 300 North Nicollet Avenue
500 East Capitol Avenue Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Pierre, South Dakota 57501-5070
FAX: 605/773-6046
605/773-3105
June 1, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Jason:
It is legal to drive barefoot in the state of South Dakota.
There is no motor vehicle code that states it is legal or illegal.
Sincerely,
Colonel James Jones
Superintendent
JJ:mn
STATE OF TENNESSEE
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY
1150 FOSTER AVENUE
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37249-1000
June 1, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
There is presently no provision in Tennessee Code Annotated (state law) concerning driving a motor vehicle barefoot. It would be necessary, however, to review all local ordinances to state definitely that a person could not be held responsible for driving barefoot in the various subdivisions of Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Brian Grisham
Staff Attorney
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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
5805 N. LAMAR BLVD. - BOX 4087 - AUSTIN, TEXAS 78773-0001
512/465-2110
JAMES R. WILSON COMMISSION
DIRECTOR RONALD D. KRIST
CHAIRMAN
DUDLEY M. THOMAS ALBERT B. ALKEK
ASST. DIRECTOR ROBERT B. HOLT
COMMISIONERS
June 7, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1 Box 120
Champain [sic], Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
This will acknowledge receipt of your recent letter concerning driving barefoot in Texas.
As your correspondence indicates, it is a common misconception among many citizens that such action is illegal. However, there is no law in Texas that forbids an individual to drive barefoot.
Sincerely,
Charles L. Graham, Major
Traffic Law Enforcement
CLG:jmp
COURTESY - SERVICE - PROTECTION
STATE OF VERMONT
AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION
DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
120 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001
June 2, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
This is in response to your letter dated May 27, 1994 concerning whether it is illegal in Vermont or not to operate a vehicle while barefoot.
There are no Vermont Statutes prohibiting this practise.
Sincerely,
Gordon P. Currier
Director, Hearing Division
GPC:cd
DONALD E. WILLIAMS WILLIAM H. LEIGHTY
COMMISSIONER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Department of Motor Vehicles MAIL ADDRESS
2300 West Broad Street P. O. BOX 27412
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23269-0001
June 13, 1994
Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh
Route 1, Box 120
Champaign, Illinois 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Thank you for your letter dated May 27, 1994 regarding the legality of driving barefoot in the State of Virginia.
At this time, the Commonwealth of Virginia has no law(s) restricting citizens from driving while barefoot.
Sincerely,
W. H. Leighty
Deputy Commissioner
/aj
A Partnership With the Public
No.
Tommy G. Thompson Charles H. Thompson DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Governor Secratary 4801 Sheboygan Avenue
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949
June 1, 1994
Jason R. Heimbaugh
R.R. 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
Thank you for your letter of May 27, 1994.
It is not illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Wisconsin. There is nothing in the Wisconsin statutes that prohibits this.
This information can be found in AAA's DIGEST OF MOTOR LAWS.
If we can be of further assistance or if you have any other questions, please contact our office.
Public Service Unit
License Records Section
BUREAU OF DRIVER SERVICES
(608) 264-7069
THE STATE OF WYOMING Mike Sullivan, Governor
Don Diller, P.E., Director
Department of Transportation
5300 BISHOP BOULEVARD (82009) P.O. BOX 1708 CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82003-1708
Jason R. Heimbaugh
RR 1, Box 120
Champaign, IL 61821
June 3, 1994
Dear Mr. Heimbaugh:
In answer to your question, "Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of Wyoming." The answer is, no. There is no statute that would prohibit driving a vehicle without proper footwear. However, the practise of driving a vehicle barefoot is strongly discouraged. This practise is unsafe and not practical.
Sincerely,
Lynn C. Funkhouser
Driver Services Manager
307 777 4801
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