Yes, South Carolina law does not explicitly prohibit driving barefoot. State statutes (S.C. Code § 56-5-360) mandate proper footwear only when it impedes control, suggesting barefoot driving remains permissible unless deemed unsafe.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in South Carolina
- Statutory Ambiguity: No law directly bans barefoot driving, but S.C. Code § 56-5-360 requires drivers to maintain “proper control” of vehicles, implying barefoot operation could face scrutiny if deemed unsafe.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: South Carolina Highway Patrol and municipal police may cite drivers under “careless or negligent operation” (§ 56-5-2920) if barefoot driving contributes to an accident or erratic behavior.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Pending updates to the South Carolina Driver’s Manual may clarify footwear expectations, aligning with national trends toward stricter distracted driving regulations.
While no outright ban exists, drivers risk penalties if barefoot operation leads to traffic violations or collisions. Courts have historically deferred to officer discretion in such cases, reinforcing the need for caution.