The great state of Kentucky has its fair share of driving laws every driver should know about. As with all states, the Bluegrass state has laws about who can drive, how fast a car can go, and how often you need to renew your license. 

Other important laws regulate issues such as:

  • Driving while under the influence (in Kentucky the legal limit is .08 BAC)
  • Driving while distracted (it is a primary offense to text while driving in Kentucky)
  • Seat belts (you are required to wear them or face a $25 fine)

One area of the law many people are often confused about is related to proper attire while driving. Urban legends about the illegality of driving barefoot abound. Perhaps it’s because some stores and restaurants are famous for their “no shirt, no shoes, no service” signs. 

Whatever the basis for the misunderstandings about footwear and driving, it is time to dispel the myth.

You Can Drive Barefoot

It is within your legal rights to drive barefoot not only in Kentucky, but in every other state in the country as well. 

When you know and obey the law, not only does it keep everyone safe, but it also keeps you from making mistakes when interacting with police. For example, if a person is pulled over by the police, happens to be driving barefoot, and thinks that it is illegal to do so, they might be nervous about stopping or they may say too much when interacting with the officer.

On the other hand, a person who knows they can drive while barefoot will approach an interaction with authorities with confidence. When you know your rights, you are much more likely to have a positive interaction when pulled over, and then be on your way.

But Should You?

However, just because you can legally drive barefoot doesn’t mean you should. There are real concerns that driving while barefoot isn’t as safe as driving with shoes on. Some might argue that your foot could slip more easily when braking if you are barefoot. 

While you won’t go to jail or even get a ticket, if your foot slips while driving barefoot and you cause an accident, you could be held liable for damage caused in the accident. If there’s nothing keeping you from driving with shoes on, it’s best to do so. You’ll save yourself a hassle in the long run.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

We would all like to think that police officers in Kentucky won’t question you about or charge you for driving barefoot. However, if you feel your rights were infringed upon in an interaction with the police for driving barefoot or for any other reason, or if you are facing a legal issue for some other driving-related matter, you should contact a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

A criminal defense attorney will inform you of and help protect your rights. He or she will also mount a defense on your behalf and seek to minimize any negative repercussions from your actions. Because Kentucky driving laws can be complex, you should exercise your right to remain silent when interacting with police and always work with your lawyer when dealing with any criminal matter. 

As a Kentucky resident and U.S. citizen, you have rights, and a good criminal defense attorney can help you understand them and protect them.

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Lexington 

333 West Vine Street #212 

Lexington, KY 40507 

United States