Is it illegal to drive in sandals in NJ? How about barefoot?
By: Lucas Frau
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... The recent heat wave might give you the urge to head to the Jersey Shore. Before you drive down to the beach, you may want to switch from flip-flops into some more comfortable shoes.
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Experts from AAA Northeast strongly advise against driving in sandals or barefoot because it leads to worse control of the pedals.
..... "Flip-flops don't fit as well as shoes and can either fall off or get caught under the pedals or even floor mats. This can also cause some delay in hitting the break in an emergency due to the loss fit," said John Paul, senior manager for Traffic Safety at AAA Northeast.
..... Driving with flip-flops is common for travelers.
..... About one-third of drivers in the country wear sandals when operating a vehicle, according to survey conducted by specialists at Foot & ankle Wellness Center based in Ohio.
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The specific footwear is also responsible for causing vehicle collisions, research shows.
..... About 1.4 million people every year said their flip-flops caused or nearly caused a car crash, said the wellness center.
..... Driving barefoot also poses similar risks.
..... Some drivers feel that driving barefoot gives them better control of navigating the gas and brake, but others advise against the practice because of the threat of your feet slipping off the pedals.
..... Other risks include not being able to apply pressure evenly or injuring a toe, said AAA Senior Automotive Manager David Bennett.
..... While experts do not recommend driving in flip-flops, it is not illegal to do so in New Jersey.
..... The Garden State has plenty of unique driving laws, but none prohibit you form driving in flip-flops, without a shirt or barefoot.
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In fact, no state in the country has a specific law that would make it illegal to drive a care in flip-flops, any other form of sandals or barefoot.
..... If you are driving a motorcycle in Alabama, however, you must wear shoes when driving or on the vehicle.
..... Regardless of the footwear, when taking the time to head to the Jersey Shore this summer, [2025] make sure you are aware and safe on New Jersey highways.
..... Driving shirtless is a gray area but could be cited on local ordinances, USA today reported.