Is it legal to drive barefoot and can you be fined for doing so?
THERE'S often confusion about whether driving barefoot is legal and if removing shoes at the wheel could result in fines.
In this guide, we explain the laws around driving barefoot and what would be the consequences if you got caught.
Is it legal to drive barefoot?
Auto-insurance experts have revealed that it's not actually illegal to drive without shoes on, "contrary to popular belief."
"No! It is not illegal to drive barefoot," Direct Auto Insurance , adding that "no states in the US have road laws against driving without shoes."
But the insurer warned that driving barefoot and without shoes can inhibit a driver's control of the vehicle.
"[It] can lessen the grip and control you have on the pedals, which could lead to an accident," read the blog post.
It went on to say that many US states urge drivers to wear shoes to avoid the safety hazards that stem from driving barefoot.
"If you do choose to drive barefoot, make sure your shoes are not sitting in the driver’s side floorboard, as they could get lodged under the pedals," the insurer said.
Can you be fined for driving in bare feet?
As driving with bare feet is legal, you won't be fined for it.
However, if the police stop you and deem you to be not fully in control of the vehicle, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention.
Most read in The US Sun
This could result in a fine of $6,300 (£5,000) and up to nine points on your licence, although a Fixed Penalty Notice of $126 (£100) is more common.
Are there any types of footwear that are illegal to drive in?
Another issue the experts addressed in the article was driving with flip-flops, which Direct Auto also acknowledged wasn't technically against the law.
"For driving when you need total control of your feet? Not great!" it read.
"You may not get a ticket for driving in bare feet or in flip flops, but there are sure to be consequences if your footwear (or lack thereof) leads to an accident on the road."
Did you know that wearing headphones while driving was permitted in certain states but not allowed in others?
It's legal to do so in , , , , , , and .
But if you're driving in , , , , and a handful of other states, driving with headphones isn't allowed.
Direct Auto highlighted that some states make exceptions if it's communication devices or speakers on motorcycle helmets but urged drivers to check the state's laws.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Although some states deem driving topless obscene or indecent, there's no law in the US expressly forbidding it for men or women.
Meanwhile, it may be dangerous but not illegal to drive with interior lights on - but it's definitely illegal to drive without car insurance unless you’re in or .