.jpg)
Is it illegal to drive barefoot? What about without closed shoes?
No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot, or without closed shoes, but as per many road rules in Australia, police can still fine you if they believe you are not in full control of your vehicle.
Across Australia we have been unable to find any legislation explicitly forbidding driving barefoot or requiring you to cover your feet in some way. It is interesting to note that driving barefoot seems to be a uniquely Australian trait, despite us having hundreds of potentially deadly animals lurking by the sides of our roads.
The temptation is great, however, due to our hot climate and preference for wearing thongs (flip-flops for you Americans out there and jandles for the Kiwis) to keep cool or for convenience after finishing at the beach.
Loose-fitting footwear like thongs can easily be caught up underneath the pedals, causing people to lose control of their car with disastrous effect. This is why many driving instructors prefer people to drive barefoot over loose-fitting shoes, or even high-heels.
It’s important to note that even if you are driving barefoot instead of wearing thongs or heels, that you keep them clear of the driver’s footwell, as even unworn loose shoes can prevent proper control of the pedals if they get in the way.
You also need to ensure you dry your feet and make sure they have a solid grip of the pedals before setting off. It is also important to note some cars come with metal-finish on their pedals which could scald the soles of your feet on extremely hot days when attempting to drive barefoot.
We also have not been able to find any reference to driving barefoot being an exclusion in comprehensive insurance policies, though we recommend checking the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the full list of exclusions that apply to the product you have purchased.
Because it isn't strictly illegal to drive barefoot there is no law to quote, making this myth an easy one to propagate. But it's worth checking out this blog from a legal services provider, based in Sydney and operating nationally.
Furthermore, despite barefoot driving not being specifically banned in any state or territory, it’s worth checking the state-specific rules regarding driving distractions at the links as follows for NSW’s rules; Victoria’s; Queensland’s; South Australia’s; West Australia’s; Tasmania’s; ACT’s; and the Northern Territory’s.
Note: This article is not intended as legal advice. You should check with your local road authority to verify the information written here is suitable to your situation before driving in this manner.
