Driving barefoot in New Mexico is completely legal, as there are no state or federal laws prohibiting operating a motor vehicle without footwear. However, while the practice is lawful, it is not always considered safe and may have implications in certain situations. Here’s what the law and safety experts say about driving barefoot in New Mexico.
Legality of Barefoot Driving
New Mexico, like all other states in the U.S., does not have any laws explicitly banning barefoot driving. This was confirmed during a comprehensive inquiry conducted in the 1990s when Jason Heimbaugh contacted all 50 state Departments of Motor Vehicles to clarify the legality of barefoot driving. Each state, including New Mexico, confirmed that driving without shoes is legal.
Safety Considerations
Although driving barefoot is legal, it may pose safety risks:
- Reduced Grip: Bare feet can slip off pedals more easily than shoes, especially during emergency braking situations. This could lead to inconsistent braking or acceleration and increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Lack of Protection: Bare feet offer no protection in the event of an accident or if you need to exit your vehicle quickly onto hazardous surfaces like hot pavement or debris.
- Pedal Control: Shoes with firm soles provide better control over pedal pressure compared to bare feet, which may struggle to apply consistent force.
Driving experts recommend wearing secure, closed-toe shoes with thin soles for optimal traction and pedal sensitivity. Footwear such as flip-flops or high heels is considered more dangerous than driving barefoot due to their tendency to slip off or get caught under pedals.
Potential Legal Implications
While driving barefoot is not illegal, it could lead to complications in certain scenarios:
- Reckless Driving Charges: If an accident occurs and law enforcement determines that driving barefoot contributed to unsafe driving, you could be cited for reckless or negligent driving. For example, if your bare foot slips off a pedal and causes an accident, this could result in penalties.
- Insurance Issues: In cases where barefoot driving is deemed a contributing factor to an accident, your insurance company may increase your rates or limit coverage for damages.
Motorcycle Riders
For motorcycle riders in New Mexico, the rules differ slightly. While there are no explicit laws against riding a motorcycle barefoot, safety guidelines strongly recommend wearing sturdy footwear with ankle support due to the increased risks associated with motorcycle operation.
Driving barefoot in New Mexico is legal but not always advisable due to potential safety risks and legal complications if an accident occurs. Drivers are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear that provides good traction and control over pedals.
While the law permits barefoot driving, prioritizing safety by wearing secure shoes can help prevent accidents and avoid unnecessary legal issues.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://1800lionlaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[2] https://ultrabrightlightz.com/blogs/ubl-insider/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
[3] https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/driving-while-barefoot/
[4] https://hirejared.com/injuries/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot/
[5] https://www.directauto.com/learning-center/driving-laws-and-safety/is-it-illegal-to-drive-barefoot
