Driving laws and regulations in Colorado are designed to maintain safety on the roads. However, certain personal freedoms remain intact: no Colorado law explicitly prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle shoeless, a fact that might surprise those accustomed to more stringent protocols in other aspects of vehicle operation. Nevertheless, the decision to drive without footwear should not be taken lightly.

Is it Legal to Drive Barefoot Colorado?

Some drivers prefer driving without shoes on because they feel they have better control over the pedals. This is most common in warmer climates or during long drives where comfort becomes a priority. They might find it easier to gauge the pressure needed on the pedals without shoes. Sometimes, after a day at the beach or if their shoes are wet or uncomfortable, a car driver might choose to drive barefoot for convenience. This driving behavior is not illegal in Colorado. You can legally drive a car anywhere in the state without wearing shoes or any other footwear.

Is it Recommended to Drive Barefoot Colorado?

When you drive without proper footwear, you may become vulnerable to the following safety risks:

  • Bare feet might slip off the pedals more easily than shoes, especially if they are wet or sweaty. This can cause loss of control when braking or accelerating.
  • Without the protection of shoes, your feet can easily get injured from pedal edges in case of a crash where debris or force impact may cause cuts, bruises, or fractures.
  • The absence of the firm edge of a shoe might result in a slower or less precise response to pedal pressure. This delay is critical in emergency situations that require sudden braking or quick acceleration.
  • Temperatures vary dramatically in Colorado. In winter, the cold metal of the pedals is uncomfortable and sometimes, painfully cold. This may distract you and create a delay in your response when driving. Conversely, in summer, the heat generally makes the pedal surfaces uncomfortably hot.

Driving a vehicle barefoot in Colorado is legally permitted, but it is not recommended for your own safety as well as the safety of others on the road. Shoes provide better grip and protection, and thus, reduce the risk of your foot slipping off the pedals or becoming injured during driving or in the event of an accident.

Common Myths About Driving Barefoot in Colorado

Myth# 1: It is Illegal

Fact: There are no driving barefoot laws Colorado that prohibit this act of driving.

Myth# 2: It Automatically Leads to a Ticket

Fact: If you are pulled over and you are barefoot, you will not be ticketed just for that reason. It will only happen if you were driving in an unsafe manner or you were violating other traffic laws.

Myth # 3: Insurance Would Not Cover Accidents if You Drive Barefoot

Fact: Insurance coverage is not contingent upon what you wear on your feet. As long as the accident does not involve illegal activities or violations of the policy terms, whether or not you were wearing shoes should not affect coverage.

Myth # 4: You Get Better Gas Mileage

Fact: Some believe that they can control the pressure on the gas pedal more delicately without shoes, resulting in better gas mileage. While finer control might be possible for some, it is unlikely to have a noticeable impact on fuel efficiency.

Myth # 5: It is More Hygienic

Fact: Some people argue that not bringing outside dirt into a clean car makes for a cleaner environment inside as shoes carry a lot of dirt and bacteria. However, any such benefits are offset by the risk of stepping on something less desirable inside the vehicle. Spills, small debris, or just the wear and dirt from the car’s floor could make direct contact with your feet.

Bare Feet On The Pedals Of A Car

How Driving Barefoot May Affect Your Car Accident Claim in Colorado

Operating a vehicle without footwear is considered unconventional by some standards, even if it is not illegal in Colorado. If an accident occurs and it is determined that being barefoot possibly impaired your ability to control your car effectively (e.g., your foot slipped off the pedal or did not apply enough pressure due to lack of footwear), this could be viewed as a contributing factor to the accident.

In such cases, the law enforcement officers who are evaluating the accident scene might consider your lack of footwear as part of a broader evaluation of your driving behavior. If they believe that lack of shoes led to decreased pedal control, it will likely go into their official crash report – a report that plays a key role in insurance company’s determinations about “fault”.

If it is noted that the driver’s barefoot state may have contributed to the crash in any way, the insurance adjuster might consider this when assessing fault percentages. Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence rule to calculate fault and damages in car accident cases, i.e., each party involved is assigned a percentage of fault based on their contribution to the accident. This is based on evidence, police reports, witness statements, and sometimes further investigation by insurance companies.

You can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. However, the amount of compensation you can receive is reduced by your assigned percentage. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault and the total damages are $200,000, you would be eligible to recover 70% of the damages ($140,000). If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages under Colorado driving laws barefoot.

Our Colorado Car Accident Attorneys are Determined to Protect Your Right to Compensation

If you or your loved one sustained injuries in an auto crash due to another’s negligence, our car accident lawyers in Colorado will fight to recover maximum damages on your behalf. To pursue a strong claim, we will prove that:

  • The at-fault driver had a duty to drive safely
  • They breached this duty
  • Their act or failure to act led to the accident
  • This accident directly resulted in your injuries and financial losses

We recognize that establishing liability in vehicle accident cases can be complicated as Colorado is a modified negligence state. Our 15+ years of experience in personal injury law and an impressive track record of settlements and verdicts means you can count on us to fight for every dollar you deserve. Give us a call at (720)-770-3832 or send us a message to schedule your free case review.