From: jrh@dixie.aiss.uiuc.edu (Jason R. Heimbaugh) Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban Subject: The (Almost) Definitive Answer to Driving Barefoot in America (LONG) Date: 27 Jul 1994 22:11:28 GMT NOTE: I sent my initial letters to all 50 states, and the District of Columbia two months ago and have received 42 replies. I don't currently have the time to remail requests to the 9 dead beat, lazy ass, worthless states that miserably failed to respond (Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, South Carolina Utah, and Washington). If you work for the DMV in one of these states and are reading this here, it doesn't surprise me. Anyways, I will send requests to state police departments sometime in September when my schedule frees up. But, based on the parallel information I've already received from AAA, I don't think the results will be different. Driving Barefoot in America =========================== Written & researched by: Jason R. Heimbaugh (jrh@uiuc.edu) URL: ftp://cathouse.org/pub/cathouse/urban.legends/legal/driving.barefoot Last updated: July 27, 1994 The AFU FAQ (dated June 10, 1994) says (quotation cited under fair use): "WILD LIFE IN THE FAST LANE F. Driving barefoot is illegal most places (Nope, but it's dumb to goad cops) T. Driving barefoot is illegal in the state of Kentucky. Copyrighted 1991-94. All rights reserved by Terry Chan (twchan@lbl.gov)." I didn't like the "most places" phrase and would prefer a "everywhere except" phrase, so I sent a letter requesting information to the Department of Motor Vehicles (or the closest thing I could find) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The results show that the FAQ is almost right. The one error is that it is *not* illegal to drive barefoot in the state of Kentucky. This information comes from Charles F. Brown, Director, Division of Driver Licensing, who stated, "After a thorough search of chapters 189 and 281 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, I can find no evidence of any prohibition against operating a motor vehicle while being barefooted. I also contacted [the] Kentucky State Police's office of legal counsel. I was informed that they too know of no statutory limitations for driving while being barefooted." Seward W. Goss, Administrative Assistant, Planning and Research Unit, Alabama Department of Public Safety, stated that while driving a car barefoot is legal, anyone operating or riding on a motorcycle is required to wear shoes ($32-5A-245. Headgear and shoes required for motorcycle riders; approval of headgear; responsiblity for juvenile riders; sale of helmets. Subsections (b) & (f).) See included law below for details. Janet Wilcox, Analyst, Communications Section, Bureau of Driver & Vehicle Records, Michigan Department of State noted that while there is no law making driving barefoot illegal, "if a police officer feels that it is a careless driving practise, he may ticket you for careless driving." Not quite as strong, was Lt. Col. John F. Lyding, Director, Division of Driver Licensing and School Vehicle Safety of the Maryland Department of Transportation who wrote: "However, *in my opinion* [emphasis added], a law enforcement officer might charge an individual under either of the two articles listed below if the barefoot driving contributed to: * $21-901(a) Reckless driving vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property; or * $21-901(b) Negligent driving vehicle in careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and person. A driver charged under these articles or any article would have the right to trial where the 'barefoot' aspect of the case might be disputed." Brian Grisham, Staff Attorney, Tennessee Department of Safety found no provision in the Tennessee Code Annotated about driving barefoot, but noted that a review of all local ordinances would be necessary in order to obtain an definitive answer. Blow me for not delving in that far - get it yourself if you need that much detail (don't forget the local ordinances in *all* states while you're at it). In addition, the following states: Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Wyoming all made the point that even though it was not illegal, driving barefoot was unsafe and, therefore, not a recommended practise. Based on this information, I would suggest changing the FAQ to read: F. Driving barefoot is illegal. (Nope, but it's dumb to goad cops.) T. ...Unless you're operating/riding a motorcycle in Alabama. Tb....You *might* be ticketed in MI/MD for careless/reckless driving. T. ...It's not "recommended" by Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, or Wyoming. T. ...Jason *REALLY* needs to get laid^H^H^H^H a life. Then again, 4 lines is an awful lot for such a trivial point. Oh well, this document turned out to be 1350 lines! Indiana, Montana, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin informed me that this and other information was available in the American Automobile Association (AAA) book, "Digest of Motor Laws". This is the information which AAA had obtained (this much material might be exceeding fair use, but those bastards stranded me two straight times before I dropped them; they still owe me): American States --------------- Alabama: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. Exception: motorcycle rider. Ohio: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted but not recommended. California: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is not prohibited. Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. District of Columbia -------------------- Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. American Territories -------------------- American Samoa, Peurto Rico, Virgin Islands: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. Guam: Driving Barefoot: No information. Canadien Provinces & Territories -------------------------------- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, New Foundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory: Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted. Notes: 1. AAA did not include the two "warnings" about Michigan and Maryland that I received from direct correspondence. 2. AAA did note that Ohio did not recommend driving barefoot, but mentioned nothing about Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, or Wyoming. 3. AAA made no mention of the possibility of local ordinances banning driving barefoot in Tennessee. 4. AAA also included a bunch of worthless information about Canada. Like anyone cares. Favorite Quote (Coincidentally from Illinois): --------------------------------------------- "It is always a pleasure to respond to citizens interested in familiarizing themselves with traffic laws." Best Reproduction Error Award (My Fault): ---------------------------------------- "As your correspondence indicates, it is a common misconception among many citizens that suck action is illegal." Best Joke Relating to Subject: ----------------------------- Whitney: You'd think that Kentucky would be the one place you *could* drive barefoot. Me^H^HSomeone: It's to keep the wimmin folk from drivin'. What follows are my initial letter and all of the responses I received, reproduced as closely as plain ASCII characters can allow. Letterheads are also included for those wishing addresses for other inquiries. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 May 27, 1994 [Department of Motor Vehicles] Dear Sir, There seems to be a common misconception that it is illegal to drive a car barefoot in most states (though this is believed to be true in the state of Kentucky.) My purpose in writing to you is to ask: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of [State]? If yes, could you please include the relevant section(s) of the motor vehicle code? Thank you for your time and effort in answering my questions, Jason R. Heimbaugh cc: Department of Motor Vehicles in all 50 states and the District of Columbia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alabama Department of Colonel George F. McMinn, Director Public Safety Lt. Colonel Robert M. Patterson, Assistant Director June 2, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R.1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Jason: Alabama does not have any laws requiring footwear except motorcycle operation or rider (copy enclosed). It is not illegal to drive a car barefoot in this state. Thank you for your letter. Sincerely, Seward W. Goss Administrative Assistant Planning and Research Unit SWG:br Enclosure Headquarters Driver License Post Office Box 1511 Post Office Box 1471 Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1511 Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1471 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 32-5A-245 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC 188 $ 32-5A-245. Headgear and shoes required for motorcycle riders; approval of headgear; responsibility for juvenile riders; sale of helmets. (a) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing protective headgear which complies with standards established by section 32-12-41. (b) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle unless he is wearing shoes. (c) This section shall not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab. (d) The director of public safety is hereby authorized to approve or disapprove protective headgear, and to issue and enforce regulations estab- lishing standards and specifications for the approval thereof. The director of public safety shall publish lists of all protective headgear which have been approved by him. (e) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor- driven cycle while not wearing a protective helmet of the kind authorized by section 32-12-41. (f) No person shall knowingly permit or allow any juvenile for whom he or she is a parent or guardian to operate or ride upon a motorcycle or motor- driven cycle while not wearing shoes. (g) No manufacturer, retailer or other person shall sell or offer for sale motorcycle helmets that fail to comply with the standards established by the director of public safety pursuant to this section. (Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604 $ 13-106.) Commentary This section differs significantly from the previous Alabama laws on this subject, sections 32-12-40 through 32-12-44. Subsection (a) is in substantial conformity with the prior statute, section 32-12-40. There were no previous laws comparable to subsections (b), (c) or (d). Subsection (d) authorizes the director of public safety to set standards for helmets, and, since these may vary from time to time, especially as new materials become available, within the guidelines of the statutory requirements of sections 32-12-41 and 32-12-42. Subsections (e) and (g) are not to be found in the UVC, but are designed to carry over desirable provisions in prior Alabama law, sections 32-12-43 and 32-12-40 respectively. Subsections (d) and (f) and the portions of other subsections relating to the requirement that shoes worn are to be found neither in the prior Alabama laws nor in the UVC, but were added pursuant to amendments by the senate committee, and represent an additional and desirable safety provision. Collateral references - 60 C.J.S., ALR3d 856. Motor Vehicles, $ 43. Products liability: sufficiency of Validity of traffice regulations evidence to support product misuse requiring motorcyclists to wear defense in actions concerning protective headgear. 32 ALR3d 1270. commercial or industrial equipment Failure of motorcyclist to wear and machinery. 64 ALR4th 10. protective helmet or other safety Motrocyclist's failure to wear equipment as contributory negligence, helmet or other protective equipment assumption of risk, or failure to as affecting recov- [sic] avoid consequences of accident. 40 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF ALASKA WALTER J. HICKEL, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER P.O. BOX 111200 JUNEAU, ALASKA 99811-1200 PHONE: (907) 465-4322 FAX: (907) 465-4362 June 8, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R. R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh, Your letter to the governor regarding driving barefoot was forwarded to me for a response. The State of Alaska does not have a statute or an administrative regulation that prohibits driving barefoot. If I can be of further assistence feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Sergeant Daniel W. Lowden Planning and Research Section Alaska Department of Public Safety --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF CALIFORNIA-BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AGENCY PETE WILSON, Governor DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES P.O. BOX 932345 SACRAMENTO, CA 94232-3450 June 20, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R. R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: This is in reply to your letter of May 27, 1994, inquiring about the legality of driving a motor vehicle while barefoot. I posed you question to the California Highway Patrol, Technical Services Section and was informed California has no specified requirements relating to operation of a motor vehicle and foot wear. A review of the California Vehicle Code failed to disclose a statute or law which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while barefoot. I hope this information has answered your question. If you have any further questions, please contact me at (916) 657-6560. Sincerely, ELAINE MILLER Public Inquiry Unit A Public Service Agency --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Colorado Motor Vehicle Division 140 W. 6th Ave., #104 Denver, CO 80204 No. There is no statue [sic] that required [sic] a person to wear foot gear, to operate a motor vehicle in this State, [unsigned - big surprise] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPT. OF MOTOR VEHCILES 60 STATE STREET TELEPHONE WETHERSFIELD, CT 06161 (203) 566-8797 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh, There is no statute or regulation in the State of Connecticut which prohibits driving barefoot. Don Bradley 6/10/94 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES P.O. BOX 698 DOVER, DELAWARE 19903 June 7, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: I checked with our Delaware State Police Headquarters, and they said there is no law pertaining to driving barefoot here. If I can be of further assistance, please contact this office. Sincerely, Andrea Roos Drivers License (302) 739-4497 ar --------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR REPLY TO: BUREAU OF ADJUDICATION Bureau of Motor Vehicle Services BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES Office of the Chief BUREAU OF PARKING SERVICES 301 C Street, N.W., Room 1018 BUREAU OF TRAFFIC SERVICES Washington, D.D. 20001 June 6, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: On behalf of Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, I am responding to your letter of May 27, 1994, concerning driving a vehicle barefoot. The Metropolitan Police Department has advised this office that there is no District of Columbia regulation prohibiting driving a motor vehicle barefoot. I hope this information will assist you in your research. Sincerely, James E. Nance Chief BUCKLE UP It's a Law we can live with --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department Neil Kirkman Building Tallahassee, FL 32301 NO. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Department of Public Safety Post Office Box 1456 Colonel Sid Miles Atlanta, Georgia 30371-2303 Wayne P. Yancey Commissioner Director of Legal Services June 27, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh Route 1 Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Your letter regarding the legality of driving barefoot in Georgia has been forwarded to the Legal Services Section for reply. There is no law in Georgia that pertains to driving an automobile without any shoes. Sincerely, Melissa J. Lunsford Legal Advisor MJL:lrs --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF IDAHO Cecil D. Andrus, Governor TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 7129 * BOISE, ID * 83707-1129 * 208/334-8000 June 6, 1994 JASON R HEIMBAUGH RR 1 BOX 120 CHAMPAIGN IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: In the state of Idaho, it is not illegal to drive a car while barefoot. There is no motor vehicle code that relates to driving while barefoot. Sincerely, JANE CAVINESS Driver Services Manager JC:AS:\mds\daily.ltrw - An Equal Opportunity Employer - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE DRIVER SERVICES DEPARTMENT GEORGE H. RYAN 2701 SOUTH DIRKSEN PARKWAY SECRETARY OF STATE SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62723 June 9, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the legality of operating a motor vehicle barefoot. It is always a pleasure to respond to citizens interested in familiarizing themselves with traffic laws. You are correct in your belief that there may be a misconception concerning this issue. We do from time to time get inquiries such as yours. I am pleased to advise that there are no provisions in the Illinois Vehicle Code that prohibits operating a motor vehicle "barefoot". I hope this information has been of interest. Please feel free to contact this office any time I may be of assistance. Sincerely, Greg O'Connor Director Drivers Services Department GO'C:isb --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF INDIANA STATE OF INDIANA GILBERT L. HOLMES, Commissioner BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES 100 NORTH SENATE AVENUE INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46204 June 8, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Re: Barefoot Driving Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: I have received your inquiry into this topic. Barefoot driving is permitted in Indiana, though not recommended. If you do not hear from other states in this matter, or have questions about certain laws, and which states have adopted them, a handy guide would be the AAA Digest of Motor Laws, which lists each state's motor vehicle laws. This digest is available at any AAA branch, though I belive they do charge for it. I hope this provides the information you needed. Please contact me if you have any further questions. Sincerely, Kelly R. Battershell Staff Attorney cc: Gilbert L. Holmes, Commissioner An Equal Opportunity Employer --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iowa Department of Transportation PARK FAIR MALL, 100 EUCLID AVENUE, DES MOINES, IA 50306-9204 515-237-3079 June 27, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: I am writing in response to your letter of May 27, 1994, where you inquired about Iowa's laws pertaining to driving barefoot. There is no law in Iowa prohibiting driving barefoot. The practise is discouraged because of a concern that control on the various pedals may be inhibited with a bare foot more than if there was a shoe of some sort on the foot. The change in control may lead to an accident. Feel free to contact this office if we may be of further assistance. Sincerely, STEVEN A. TUDOR Senior Examiner Office of Driver Services SAT:mbh --------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY DON C. KELLY, P.E. TRANSPORTATION CABINET BRERETON C. JONES SECRETARY OF FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY 40622 GOVERNOR TRANSPORTATION JERRRY D. ANGLIN DEPUTY SECRETARY AND COMMISSIONER OF HIGHWAYS June 24, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh, Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your letter of May 27, 1994. After a thorough search of chapters 189 and 281 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, I can find no evidence of any prohibition against operating a motor vehicle while being barefooted. I also contacted [the] Kentucky State Police's office of legal counsel. I was informed that they too know of no statutory limitations for driving while being barefooted. I trust this answers your questions to your satisfaction. Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Charles F. Brown, Director Division of Driver Licensing CB/RH/ds KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET MISSION "PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT, ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WHICH PROMOTES ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN KENTUCKY." "AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D" --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES EDWIN W. EDWARDS COL. PAUL W. FONTENOT GOVERNOR SUPERINTENDENT June 27, 1994 0420/241/BJG/0056 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Louisiana has no statute which requires footwear while operating a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is legal to drive while barefooted. Sincerely, Sergeant Bobby Guidroz Public Affairs Louisiana State Police BJG:jws COURTESY * LOYALTY * SERVICE OFFICE OF STATE POLICE, P.O. BOX 66614, BATON ROUGE, LA. 70896-6614 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Motor Vehicles Department of the Secretary of State G. William Diamond Gregory C. Hanscom Secretary of State Deputy Secretary of State Janet E. Waldron William E. Dowling Assistant Secretary of State Asst. to Dep. Secretary of State Robert E. O'Connell, Jr. Dir., Driver Licensing & Control June 3, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1 Box 120 Champaign, Il. 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh, This is in response to your letter of May 27, 1994, in which you ask whether it is illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Maine. A brief review of our driving laws fail to show any statute that forbids a motorist from driving barefoot in the State of Maine. Sincerely, Susan C. Cookson Assistant Director Driver Licensing & Control SCC/sp State House Station #29, Augusta, Maine 04333-0029, Tel. (207) 287-2576 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MVA MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION O. James Lighthizer MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION Secretary W. Marshall Rickert Administrator June 3, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 RE: Driving Barefoot Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Thank you for your inquiry concerning driving barefoot. There is no specific statute requiring a driver to wear shoes. However, in my opinion, a law enforcement officer might charge an individual under either of the two articles listed below if the barefoot driving contributed to: * $21-901(a) Reckless driving vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property; or * $21-901(b) Negligent driving vehicle in careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and person. A driver charged under these articles or any article would have the right to trial where the "barefoot" aspect of the case might be disputed. Sincerely, Lt. Col. John F. Lyding Director Division of Driver Licensing and School Vehicle Safety 410-768-7256 JFL/jl MY TELEPHONE NUMBER IS (410)- 6601 RITCHIE HIGHWAY, N.E., GLEN BURNIE, MARYLAND 21062 TELEPHONE TTY FOR THE DEAF 1-800-492-4575 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- M I C H I G A N D E P A R T M E N T O F S T A T E LANSING RICHARD H. AUSTIN * SECRETARY OF STATE MICHIGAN 48918 STATE SECONDARY COMPLEX June 3, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R R 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Your letter of May 27, 1994 requesting information on driving a vehicle barefoot has been referred to our department for a reply. Michigan does not have a law prohibiting the driving of a motor vehicle without shoes. However, if a police officer feels that it is a careless driving practise, he may ticket you for careless driving. If I can be of further assistance please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Janet Wilcox, Analyst Communications Section Bureau of Driver & Vehicle Records JW/dld Phone (517) 322-1166 Safety Belts and Slower Speeds Save Lives --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver/Vehicle Services Division Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155 6-7-94 Minnesota does not prohibit driving barefoot. Gleason [best guess at signature] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mississippi Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 958 Jackson, MS 39205 No. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEL CARNAHAN MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE JANETTE M. LOHMAN GOVERNOR OFFICE OF LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS DIR. OF REVENUE POST OFFICE BOX 629 JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65105-0629 RICK MOORE PHONE: (314) 751-3100 FAX: (314) 526-4597 DIRECTOR June 2, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: I am writing in response to your letter regarding the legality of operating a motor vehicle while barefoot. I have been advised by Capt. Clarence Greeno of the Missouri State Highway Patrol that this act is not illegal in the State of Missouri. There are however, safety concerns associated with this practise. For example, it is felt that the driver of a motor vehicle may lack sufficient control over the foot controls or lack the ability to exert sufficient pressure on the brake in an emergency situation. For these reasons, this method of operating a motor vehicle is discouraged by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of further assistance to you. Sincerely, Rick Moore Director RM/ji --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drivers Services 303 North Roberts Helena, MT 59620 AAA Digest of Motor Laws, sixtieth edition, p. 194 (photocopied & highlighted): Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a dri- ver with bare feet is permitted. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box 94789 Lincoln, NE 68509 RECEIVED MAY 31 1994 NE DEPT. MOTOR VEHICLES No. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PUBLIC SAFETY NEVADA HIGHWAY PATROL 555 Wright Way BOB MILLER Carson City, Nevada 89711-0525 JAMES P. WELLER Governor (702) 687-5300 Director June 14, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1 box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is permitted in the State of Nevada. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact our office. Sincerely, Sgt. Thomas W. Hammill Office of the Chief Nevada Highway Patrol TWH:pd --------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOTOR VEHICLE TRENTON, NEW JERSEY 08666 SERVICES STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY Division of Motor Vehicles (609) 984-2974 June 8, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: This is in response to your inquiry concerning motor vehicle regulations. In New Jersey, it is not illegal to operate a vehicle while barefoot. We hope this addresses your concerns. Sincerely, Lora McQueen ISM Correspondence Center --------------------------------------------------------------------------- New Mexico TAXATION AND REVENUE DEPARTMENT MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION Driver Services Bureau P. O. Box 1028 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1028 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER June 8, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R. R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: There is no statutory or regulatory prohibition in the State of New Mexico against operating a motor vehicle while barefooted. Sincerely, Jeannie Soto, Chief Driver Services Bureau --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES EMPIRE STATE PLAZA ALBANY, NEW YORK 12228 PATRICIA B. ADDUCI COMMISSIONER LEGAL DIVISION KATHY A. BENNETT NEAL W. SCHOEN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER & COUNSEL FIRST ASSISTANT COUNSEL June 17, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: This is in response to your letter of May 27, 1994. You ask whether it is illegal to drive barefoot in New York State. Nothing in the Vehicle and Traffic Law or in the Commissioner's Regulations prohibits barefooted driving in this State. I trust this information will assist you. Very truly yours, DEBORAH V. DUGAN Assistant Counsel DVD/hb --------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 1, 1994 JASON R. HEIMBAUGH R. R. 1 BOX 120 CHAMPAIGN, IL 61821 Dear Mr. HEIMBAUGH, It is NOT illegal to drive barefoot in the state of North Carolina under our present Motor Vehicle Laws. Sincerely, MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CENTURY CENTER BLDG B 1020 BIRCH RIDGE ROAD RALEIGH NC 27610 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Dakota State Patrol 6-3-94 TO: Jason DEPT: FROM: Sgt. Johnson X FOR YOUR INFORMATION _ PER OUR CONVERSATION _ PER YOUR REQUEST _ PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN COMMENTS: NO. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ODPS George V. Voinovich, Governor Mike DeWine, Ll. Governor Ohio Department Charles D. Shipley, Col. Warren H. Davies, of Public Safety Director Superintendent 240 Parsons Ave. Ohio State Highway Patrol P.O. Box 7167 660 E. Main St. Columbus, OH 43205-0167 Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 466-2550 (614) 466-2660 Mitchell J. Brown, Roger E. Glick, Registrar Executive Administrator Bureau of Motor Vehicles Emergency Medical Services 4300 Kimberly Parkway 240 Parsons Ave. P.O. Box 16520 P.O. Box 7167 Columbus, OH 43266-0020 Columbus, OH 43205-0167 (614) 752-7500 (614) 466-9477 - (800) 233-0785 June 3, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R. R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL. 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: It is legal to drive barefoot in Ohio. However, we do *recommend* that shoes be worn when operating a motor vehicle in our state. Sincerely, Leo Skinner, Chief Public Information Mission Statement ...to save lives, reduce injuries and economic losses on the streets and highways of Ohio, and to regulate driver licensing and vehicle registration with the most cost effective methods available. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY June 27, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: We received your correspondence dated May 27, 1994 regarding if it is illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Oklahoma? No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Oklahoma. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me. Respectfully, Lonnie Jarman, Director Driver License Examining Division LJ/ah P.O. BOX 11415 * OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73136-0415 * 3600 NORTH KING AVENUE * OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73111 * (405) 425-2424 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oregon DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DMV June 1, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1 Box 120 CHAMPAIGN IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: There is no statute in the _Oregon Vehicle Code, 1993-94_, that says it is illegal to drive a car barefoot in the state of Oregon. Sincerely, Valerie Luhr Office Coordinator Driver Licensing Team Driver Programs 1905 Lana Avenue NE Salem, OR 97314 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Drivers License Information Box 58691 Harrisburg, PA 17106 This page was taken from AAA Digest of Motor Laws. "Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a dri- ver with bare feet is permitted." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- RIDOT Rhode Island Department of Transportation STATE OF Division of Motor Vehicles RHODE ISLAND Safety and Regulation AND PROVIDENCE Enforcement Section PLANTATIONS 345 Harris Avenue, Providence, R.I. 02909 June 3, 1994 Jason R. Meimbaugh [sic] RR 1 Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr Heimbaugh: This letter is in reference to your correspondence of May 27, 1994. In Rhode Island, operation of a motor vehicle by a dri- ver with bare feet is permitted. Should you need or want further information concern- ing motor vehicle laws in any state, I suggest you con- tact your local AAA (American Automobile Association) and request information on obtaining a "Digest of Motor Laws", price is $8.95. Sincerely, THERESA M. PHILLIPS Chief Investigator TMP/jl --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIVISION OF HIGHWAY PATROL LOCATION: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND REGULATION 300 North Nicollet Avenue 500 East Capitol Avenue Pierre, South Dakota 57501 Pierre, South Dakota 57501-5070 FAX: 605/773-6046 605/773-3105 June 1, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Jason: It is legal to drive barefoot in the state of South Dakota. There is no motor vehicle code that states it is legal or illegal. Sincerely, Colonel James Jones Superintendent JJ:mn --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY 1150 FOSTER AVENUE NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37249-1000 June 1, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: There is presently no provision in Tennessee Code Annotated (state law) concerning driving a motor vehicle barefoot. It would be necessary, however, to review all local ordinances to state definitely that a person could not be held responsible for driving barefoot in the various subdivisions of Tennessee. Sincerely, Brian Grisham Staff Attorney --------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 5805 N. LAMAR BLVD. - BOX 4087 - AUSTIN, TEXAS 78773-0001 512/465-2110 JAMES R. WILSON COMMISSION DIRECTOR RONALD D. KRIST CHAIRMAN DUDLEY M. THOMAS ALBERT B. ALKEK ASST. DIRECTOR ROBERT B. HOLT COMMISIONERS June 7, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1 Box 120 Champain [sic], Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: This will acknowledge receipt of your recent letter concerning driving barefoot in Texas. As your correspondence indicates, it is a common misconception among many citizens that such action is illegal. However, there is no law in Texas that forbids an individual to drive barefoot. Sincerely, Charles L. Graham, Major Traffic Law Enforcement CLG:jmp COURTESY - SERVICE - PROTECTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATE OF VERMONT AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES 120 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001 June 2, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: This is in response to your letter dated May 27, 1994 concerning whether it is illegal in Vermont or not to operate a vehicle while barefoot. There are no Vermont Statutes prohibiting this practise. Sincerely, Gordon P. Currier Director, Hearing Division GPC:cd --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DONALD E. WILLIAMS WILLIAM H. LEIGHTY COMMISSIONER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA Department of Motor Vehicles MAIL ADDRESS 2300 West Broad Street P. O. BOX 27412 RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23269-0001 June 13, 1994 Mr. Jason R. Heimbaugh Route 1, Box 120 Champaign, Illinois 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Thank you for your letter dated May 27, 1994 regarding the legality of driving barefoot in the State of Virginia. At this time, the Commonwealth of Virginia has no law(s) restricting citizens from driving while barefoot. Sincerely, W. H. Leighty Deputy Commissioner /aj A Partnership With the Public --------------------------------------------------------------------------- West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Bldg. #3, Room 113 Charleston, WV 25317 No. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wisconsin Department of Transportation Tommy G. Thompson Charles H. Thompson DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES Governor Secratary 4801 Sheboygan Avenue P.O. Box 7949 Madison, WI 53707-7949 June 1, 1994 Jason R. Heimbaugh R.R. 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: Thank you for your letter of May 27, 1994. It is not illegal to drive barefoot in the State of Wisconsin. There is nothing in the Wisconsin statutes that prohibits this. This information can be found in AAA's DIGEST OF MOTOR LAWS. If we can be of further assistance or if you have any other questions, please contact our office. Public Service Unit License Records Section BUREAU OF DRIVER SERVICES (608) 264-7069 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE STATE OF WYOMING Mike Sullivan, Governor Don Diller, P.E., Director Department of Transportation 5300 BISHOP BOULEVARD (82009) P.O. BOX 1708 CHEYENNE, WYOMING 82003-1708 Jason R. Heimbaugh RR 1, Box 120 Champaign, IL 61821 June 3, 1994 Dear Mr. Heimbaugh: In answer to your question, "Is it illegal to drive barefoot in the state of Wyoming." The answer is, no. There is no statute that would prohibit driving a vehicle without proper footwear. However, the practise of driving a vehicle barefoot is strongly discouraged. This practise is unsafe and not practical. Sincerely, Lynn C. Funkhouser Driver Services Manager 307 777 4801 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------