It is not illegal to drive barefoot in California. No vehicle code prohibits shoeless driving. However, if a lack of shoes led to an accident, an investigating officer could charge you with reckless driving.
The Dangers of Driving Barefoot on California Highways
California may not have any laws on the books about driving with bare feet, but it does have “reckless driving” laws.
You can drive without shoes on, but it’s not generally a safe choice. Driving, especially in California, is a fast-paced activity. The traction you have on your driving foot to hold the gas pedal and the brake can be crucial to stopping or accelerating to avoid a collision.
On many boulevards in California, there’s an excessive amount of starting and stopping. It’s a lot of stomping on the brakes. Having the right grip as your foot hits the pedal can make a difference in a close call and a major impact. Good footwear and avoiding flip-flops are great ideas.
Can I Be Charged With Reckless Driving If I Don’t Wear Shoes to Drive?
Yes. It’s possible. What constitutes reckless driving is usually up to the investigating officer at the accident scene. If it came out that a foot slipping off a brake pedal caused a collision, the officer might be inclined to deem that a reckless decision.
This choice to drive without a shoe on could also result in a
California Vehicle Code’s definition of reckless driving is kinda vague. It leaves officers able to interpret what reckless driving is and who should be charged.
(a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
Still, a driver speeding down the highway without shoes on could be exactly who legislators had in mind when they wrote reckless driving laws. It’s safer to have shoes that stay snug on the feet when driving around our state.
Punishment for Reckless Driving in California
Drivers who earn a reckless driving conviction for traveling without shoes on or for any other risk can face fines and jail time.
The CVC above mandates that violators who receive jail time get a minimum of 5 days in a county jail and no more than 90 days. They can also receive a fine of at least $145 or not more than $1,000. Some convicted motorists will receive both jail time and fines.
Here are a few other drawbacks to a reckless driving charge:
- The fines mentioned above don’t include the high court fees that will be added on
- Convicted drivers can receive up to 2 points on their driver’s license
- Convicted drivers can also have their licenses suspended
- Car insurance premiums will likely go up for convictions
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer If You Are Hurt By a Reckless Driver
If you are hurt by a reckless driver, it’s a good idea to talk over your case with a skilled California car accident lawyer.
You may need a lawyer to prove how an accident occurred when a car insurance company tries to blame you. Once you have backed your case with strong evidence, your attorney will then go to work securing the maximum in compensation for you.
Contact Maison Law for a free, confidential case consultation. There’s no obligation to talk to a real lawyer, but if you do need our help, we work on a contingency basis. It means our pay is contingent on you winning your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us anything. If the case is successful, our fee is paid out of the settlement check that the at-fault driver’s insurer has to provide.
