Driving barefoot in Hawaii is not illegal. Despite a widespread myth that operating a vehicle without shoes is against the law, there are no statutes in Hawaii—or in any other U.S. state—that prohibit driving barefoot. This has been confirmed by state agencies and legal experts, and the misconception likely persists due to concerns about safety and control behind the wheel.
What the Law Says
- No State Law Prohibiting Barefoot Driving:
Hawaii does not have any law making it illegal to drive a car, pickup truck, or similar vehicle without footwear. This was confirmed in the 1990s when all 50 states’ departments of motor vehicles responded to inquiries about barefoot driving, and each affirmed its legality. - Driving in Flip-Flops or “Slippahs”:
It is also legal to drive in flip-flops (locally called “slippahs”) in Hawaii. There are no restrictions on the type of footwear you must wear while driving.
Safety Considerations
While it is legal, safety experts and some state agencies advise against driving barefoot or in loose footwear like flip-flops. Bare feet may not provide the same grip or control on the pedals as proper shoes, and flip-flops can slip off or become wedged under the pedals, potentially causing an accident.
If your choice of footwear—or lack thereof—contributes to a crash or impedes your ability to control the vehicle, you could still be cited for careless or reckless driving, even though barefoot driving itself is not a violation.
Insurance and Liability
If you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot, your insurance company may scrutinize your actions. While driving without shoes is not illegal, if it is found to have contributed to the accident, it could affect your liability or insurance claim.
Common Myths
The belief that driving barefoot is illegal may stem from outdated advice or confusion with other driving regulations. However, in Hawaii, as in all 50 states, there is no legal requirement to wear shoes while driving.
Barefoot Driving in Hawaii
| Aspect | Legal Status/Notes |
|---|---|
| Driving barefoot | Legal |
| Driving in flip-flops | Legal |
| Required footwear | None specified by law |
| Safety recommendation | Wear secure, closed-toe shoes for better control |
| Possible citation | Only if lack of footwear contributes to unsafe driving or an accident |
It is not illegal to drive barefoot in Hawaii. You may legally operate a vehicle without shoes or in flip-flops. However, for your safety and to maintain full control of your vehicle, it is recommended to wear secure, closed-toe footwear.
If your choice of footwear—or lack thereof—impairs your driving and leads to an accident, you could still face legal consequences for unsafe driving, even though barefoot driving itself is not prohibited by law.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.thezebra.com/resources/driving/driving-barefoot/
[2] https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g60982-i38-k4689950-Is_it_legal_to_drive_barefoot_or_in_slippahs-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html
[3] https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
[4] https://hirejared.com/injuries/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[5] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
