Yes, driving barefoot is legal in North Carolina, as state statutes do not explicitly prohibit it. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) enforce vehicle control standards under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-123, which mandates that drivers maintain full control of their vehicles. While no law bans barefoot driving, officers may cite drivers for reckless operation if impaired control is observed, particularly in 2026 compliance shifts focusing on distracted driving enforcement.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in North Carolina
- Vehicle Control Statute (§ 20-123): Requires drivers to operate vehicles with “due care” and full control, creating potential liability if barefoot driving contributes to an accident.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: Law enforcement agencies in counties like Mecklenburg and Wake may issue citations under reckless driving statutes if barefoot operation is deemed unsafe.
- Insurance Implications: Insurers may deny claims if barefoot driving is cited as a contributing factor in an accident, per NCDMV 2025 policy updates.