One issue related to driving that is the source of never-ending controversy is whether or not you can legally drive a vehicle while barefoot. This is as true for Kentucky drivers as it is for drivers in any other state. While driving laws can vary from state to state, when it comes to driving barefoot, the law is fairly uniform no matter where you are driving.
Though state driving manuals or handbooks might advise against driving while barefoot (or at least promote proper footwear while driving) there is no Kentucky statute on the books that prohibits an individual from driving while barefoot.
It is possible, however, in the event of an accident that an officer could find your lack of footwear problematic and a potential cause of the accident. Though it wouldn’t be very likely, there is the possibility that an officer could deem such behavior while driving reckless and issue a citation along with several points per Kentucky’s driver point system.
What is Proper Footwear For Driving?
We all want to follow the law. This is especially true when we are on the road. Every day, thousands of Kentucky residents take to the state’s vast network of roads and highways. The vast majority of drivers are law-abiding citizens who have gone through the process of obtaining a license. They follow the speed limit, keep their eyes on the road, and don’t drink and drive.
Following these laws help keep Kentuck’s roads safe and orderly. While wanting to know whether or not a particular behavior is against the law is good so as to avoid a citation, it is not most driver’s ultimate concern—safety is.
Even though it might not be illegal to drive barefoot in the state, the majority of drivers feel they are at their best when they are wearing proper footwear. If that is the case in your situation, you should definitely wear shoes that you are able to drive well in. You won’t have to worry about being guilty should something happen while driving barefoot, but you might have to worry about a guilty conscience.
Knowing the Law
Still, it is important to know the law. This is especially true in our day and age when we know that police officers can make mistakes. Perhaps an officer pulled you over because he or she suspected you were drunk driving. When they found out you were sober but barefoot, in an attempt to save face they made up a charge. If an officer tells you that it is illegal to drive barefoot and issues you a citation, there are steps you can take to fight back against such false allegations.
You might not want to argue with the officer on the side of the road. A better course of action is to consult a criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on the details of driving laws and what to do when an officer wrongly issues you a citation.
Steps to Driving Legally and Safely
In addition to wearing proper footwear (or not if you feel you can drive safely without it), there are several other driving tips that are good to keep in mind every time you get behind the wheel.
These will not only keep you from breaking the law, but they will also keep Kentucky’s roads as safe as possible:
- Never drive without a valid driver’s license
- Never drive while intoxicated
- Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions like smartphones
- Seat young children in the back and make sure everyone is wearing their seat belt
Safety is everyone’s primary concern when it comes to driving laws in the state of Kentucky. If you know the law and follow it, it will help you and every other driver on the road get to where they are going safely.
-
Facebook
-
Twitter
-
LinkedIn