laws & regulations & bare feet

You are legally allowed to go barefoot in public places and when driving, except for a few specific exceptions.

It gets passed around so much that it's assumed to be true: Going barefoot in public is illegal. Driving without shoes on is against the law. Both are myths, except in a few specific cases.

No federal or state laws in the United States prohibit you from going barefoot to the grocery store, shopping at the mall, or eating out at your favorite restaurant. Those venues may have their own rules, but only a few specific public areas -- including some boardwalks and government buildings -- have regulations requiring footwear by law.

Contrary to popular belief, it is also perfectly legal to drive barefoot in all states of the U.S., all Canadian provinces, The United Kingdom and many other territories and countries. The only state in the U.S. that requires shoes while driving is Alabama -- and it's only for motorcycle riders.

related: facts about health codes & bare feet