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I gotta say we have all done it before, and it feels wrong, but so right, ya know? I’m talking about driving barefoot! I mean no one would dare do that in a Minnesota winter, but during those hot summers, or when we are in desperate need to run a fast errand, we have at least considered going without shoes.

When growing up my mom would take me to daycare, school, or even church confirmation, and sometimes she would be barefoot. I always remembered thinking she was so weird for that. But one day as I was driving from home to college, I hated the shoes I was wearing and so I drove barefoot. And to my surprise, while the texture was weird, it was pretty nice!

But is barefoot driving legal for us to do in Minnesota?

Barefoot driving legal minnesota
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One Minnesota resident asked Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Trooper, on the topic.

Question:

Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota?

Sgt. Troy Christianson's Answer:

Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip-flops that interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals.

So, while yes it is legal, it could* be more or less dangerous. This means it really depends on the alternative footwear you were wearing and of course all other factors that tie into dangerous driving.

I find this so interesting because driving barefoot could* be better than driving with 6-inch heels on a winter morning in Minnesota, or even instead of those $5 Old Navy flip-flops in the summer. My mind is blown!

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*  This does not mean it is absolute, but due to many accident reports as well as the context of situations, it is likely.

Lastly Sgt. Troy Christianson brings this up as well:

This brings up another safety issue. Make sure the driver’s side floor mat is secured in place. Most newer vehicles have a tab attached to the floor of the vehicle that secures the floor mat to the floor. This ensures that the mat does not interfere with the brake or accelerator pedals.

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If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us).

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