Yes, driving barefoot is legal in Vermont, as no state statute explicitly prohibits it. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has not issued formal guidance restricting barefoot driving, aligning with the absence of such provisions in Title 23 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. However, drivers must maintain full control of their vehicle, per § 1091(a), which could theoretically implicate barefoot operation if deemed unsafe.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Vermont
- No Explicit Ban: Vermont law lacks a statute criminalizing barefoot driving, unlike states such as California or Alabama.
- Control Requirement: Drivers must ensure their feet do not impair vehicle operation under § 1091(a), which mandates “complete control” of the vehicle.
- Local Enforcement Discretion: While state troopers may cite drivers for reckless operation (§ 1091(b)) if barefoot driving contributes to an accident, no precedent exists for standalone citations.
Local jurisdictions, including the Burlington Police Department, have not issued advisories on barefoot driving, deferring to state-level interpretation. The Vermont DMV’s 2024-2026 compliance priorities focus on distracted driving and seatbelt enforcement, with no projected regulatory shifts on this issue. Drivers should exercise caution, as insurance adjusters or courts may scrutinize barefoot operation in fault determinations post-collision.