Have you ever kicked off your shoes on a hot summer day and wondered if it’s legal to drive barefoot in Wyoming? It’s a common question that sparks debate among drivers across the state. While some believe it’s dangerous and therefore illegal, others say there’s no law against it.
In 2025, confusion still lingers. This article dives into what Wyoming law says about barefoot driving—and whether going shoeless behind the wheel can get you in trouble.
Legal Context: What Wyoming Law Says
- Wyoming’s legal code (Title 31 – Motor Vehicles) outlines countless motor vehicle regulations, but there’s no clause about required footwear for drivers.
- The state’s official driver guides and manuals make no mention of prohibitions or mandates around footwear for car drivers.
- A community-policing statement confirmed: “It is not illegal to drive while your feet are bare…”.
So, there is no legal basis in Wyoming for a ticket based strictly on barefoot driving.
Why the Myth Exists
Why do many believe it’s illegal?
- Urban myth…
Many people assume that since driving barefoot may pose a risk, it must be illegal. But as insurance analyses show, this is an overblown legal misconception. - Safety advice interpreted as law.
Police and safety campaigns frequently discourage barefoot driving due to slip hazards—not because it’s illegal. - Cultural norms.
Driving barefoot feels unnatural to many, and unfamiliar behavior is often assumed prohibited.
In sum, it’s not a law—just a widely believed misconception.
Safety & Liability Concerns
Even though barefoot driving is legal, it may be risky:
- Reduced traction and control: Sweaty or wet feet can slip off pedals more easily.
- Delayed response times: Without shoe support, pressing pedals accurately takes more effort.
- Increased risk in accidents: Bare feet are vulnerable to injury from debris or continuing pedal control after impact .
- Pedal entanglement: Shoes lying on the floorboard can slide under pedals; bare feet aren’t immune from unusual scenarios.
Authorities warn that if an accident occurs and barefoot driving is found to be a contributing factor, you could be held liable, cited for negligence, or blamed for reckless behavior.
What Police and Courts Say
- Traffic officers in Wyoming and Michigan have clarified: there is no existing statute against barefoot driving.
- However, if your barefoot state contributed to an accident, law enforcement could use that as evidence of failure to maintain control.
- Potential outcomes could include reckless driving charges, negligence claims, or reduced recourse in civil liability cases.
Comparison: Barefoot vs. Bad Footwear
Barefoot driving is legal, but so are unsafe shoes:
- Flip-flops, high heels, thick boots—anything that hampers pedal control—is often discouraged. Like barefoot driving, such choices, while legal, have higher accident liability.
- In Missouri, authorities have noted that driving barefoot may be safer than wearing loose footwear like flip‑flops.
The key is control and caution, not the footwear itself.
Should You Drive Naked-Footed?
Pros:
- Better pedal feel than some loose footwear
- Comfort, especially in hot weather
Cons:
- Slippery sole, less protection
- More susceptible to injury from debris
- Potential liability concerns in post-accident evaluations
Best practice: Even if effortless, if barefoot driving contributed to an accident, expect legal scrutiny.
Practical Tips for Safety & Compliance
- Use proper footwear: Closed‑toe, low-heeled, snug-fitting shoes with non-slip soles.
- Keep shoes out of the footwell: Loose items can interfere with pedal operation, barefoot or not.
- Avoid barefoot driving when unsafe: Wet summer mornings or after swimming increase risk.
- Be accident-aware: If in a collision, be prepared to explain how barefoot driving did not impair control.
Final Takeaway
- In Wyoming in 2025, driving barefoot is legal—no shoe requirement exists in state law.
- That said, law enforcement and courts could view it as evidence of negligence if it played a role in an accident .
- Bottom line: footwear itself isn’t regulated, but your safety and liability depend on how well you handle the vehicle.