Yes, driving barefoot is legal in Australia, provided it does not compromise control of the vehicle. No federal law explicitly prohibits it, but state-based road rules and duty-of-care principles under the Australian Road Rules (ARR) may apply. The National Transport Commission (NTC) has not classified barefoot driving as an offence, though jurisdictions retain discretion to enforce negligence-based penalties.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Australia
- Control and Safety (ARR 297): Drivers must maintain full control of the vehicle. Barefoot operation could breach this if it impairs pedal sensitivity or reaction time, potentially attracting infringements under negligent driving provisions.
- State-Specific Enforcement: Queensland’s Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and Victoria’s Road Safety Act 1986 permit barefoot driving but allow police to issue fines if it contributes to an accident or reckless conduct.
- Insurance and Liability: Insurers may deny claims if barefoot driving is deemed contributory negligence. The Insurance Council of Australia (2025) advises documenting circumstances where barefoot use may have impaired driving ability.
Local Context: The NTC’s 2026 review of distracted driving risks may expand scrutiny of footwear-related hazards. While no jurisdiction has banned barefoot driving outright, courts increasingly weigh it against duty-of-care standards in civil liability cases.