The notion that driving barefoot is illegal in Colorado is a persistent urban myth. Despite many drivers cautioning each other about ditching shoes behind the wheel, Colorado law is unequivocally clear—there is no statute in the state that prohibits operating a vehicle without footwear. Whether you’re merging onto I-25 in Denver, coasting through the foothills of Boulder, or traversing the wide streets of Grand Junction, you are not breaking any specific law by driving barefoot.
This legal stance extends to all types of personal vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and even pickup trucks common in Colorado’s rural areas. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles doesn’t impose restrictions regarding driving footwear (or lack thereof) for regular drivers. You can drive shoeless through the lively streets of Fort Collins or the scenic routes of Colorado Springs with peace of mind.
Debunking the Myth: Why Do People Think It’s Illegal?
The myth likely endures due to repeated cautionary tales in driving schools, local folklore, or advice passed down from family members. Many drivers recall learning in high school driver’s education classes that shoes are mandatory, often to emphasize safety rather than legal compliance. Sometimes, this idea is reinforced by stories from states with different rules for motorcyclists—Alabama, for example, requires motorcyclists to wear shoes.
Further confusion comes from the fact that while there’s no law mandating shoes, there are laws about safe and responsible vehicle operation. If your lack of footwear causes you to lose control or drive erratically, you could be cited for careless or negligent driving.
Barefoot Driving Across Colorado’s Cities
Whether you find yourself navigating the city blocks of Aurora, the hilly neighborhoods of Golden, or making quick stops in Pueblo after a long hike, barefoot driving is legal statewide. The same freedom applies anywhere from busy urban environments like Denver’s Capitol Hill to the mountain communities of Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge.
It’s important to note that major tourist cities, including Aspen and Estes Park, do not have local ordinances that contradict state law regarding barefoot driving. All drivers in Colorado, regardless of the town or city, have the same legal rights about whether to wear shoes.
How Law Enforcement Views Barefoot Driving
Colorado’s law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol and local police departments across cities like Lakewood, Thornton, and Littleton, do not ticket drivers solely for driving barefoot. This stance holds whether you’re pulled over for speeding on Highway 36 or stopped at a DUI checkpoint near Loveland. However, if a lack of footwear contributes to carelessness, a crash, or delays your reaction time, that could result in a citation for careless or reckless driving.
In crash investigations, officers may record if being barefoot was a factor. For instance, suppose a driver admits their foot slipped off the brake pedal in downtown Colorado Springs, contributing to a rear-end collision. While they wouldn’t be fined just for being barefoot, it may affect liability or how the accident report is written.
Safety Considerations: Risks and Expert Advice
While Colorado law permits barefoot driving, safety experts strongly advise against it. Bare feet on metal pedals can sweat, slip, or be less effective in emergency braking. In 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that “pedal errors,” often due to inappropriate footwear or bare feet, caused over 16,000 crashes per year in the United States. Although there’s no breakdown by city or state, this number gives pause to anyone considering going shoeless.
In Colorado’s famous outdoor destinations, such as Boulder or Estes Park, many drivers remove their hiking boots or sandals after a day outside. However, the lack of shoes can delay reaction times, especially in heavy city traffic or on Denver’s busy freeways at rush hour. Bare feet are also at increased risk during a crash—from stepping on broken glass after an accident to receiving burns on hot metal pedals in the summer heat.
Comparing Types of Footwear: Barefoot vs. Flip-Flops, Heels, or Boots
Some drivers believe that going barefoot gives them more control, especially compared to heels, flip-flops, or bulky winter boots. There is some logic here: loose footwear like flip-flops can slip behind or under pedals, and high heels can limit ankle mobility, making it harder to press pedals quickly or firmly.
However, safety authorities generally recommend closed-toe shoes—like sneakers or driving moccasins—that provide both grip and protection. From Greeley to Durango, the safest Colorado drivers are those whose footwear won’t slip, catch, or hinder their driving.
Insurance and Liability Issues in Accidents
While the law does not forbid barefoot driving anywhere in Colorado, insurance companies may scrutinize your choice of footwear after an accident. If you cause or contribute to a crash in Aurora or Castle Rock and admit you were barefoot, an adjuster could argue “negligent driving.” This could impact your claim or create questions about liability.
For instance, in comparative negligence states like Colorado (where more than one party can be held responsible for damages), if being barefoot hindered your control of the vehicle, your compensation might be reduced. This scenario is rare, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you drive regularly in busy metros or through areas with challenging road conditions.
Unique Colorado Challenges: Weather and Terrain
Driving barefoot in Colorado’s dramatic climate brings unique risks. Winters in cities like Boulder and Silverthorne often dip well below freezing, making pedals painfully cold or even causing numb feet, which can reduce pedal sensitivity. Summers in Grand Junction or Pueblo can see temperatures climb high enough to heat metal pedals and surfaces, increasing the risk of burns.
Mountain driving, popular in places like Vail or Aspen, adds another hazard. Steep descents and sharp curves require quick, precise pedal action. In these conditions, the absence of reliable footwear could make the challenging roads even riskier.
Addressing Special Cases and Common Questions
Driving with Wet Feet
Colorado’s sudden rain showers or time by the rivers in cities like Glenwood Springs can leave your feet wet. Wet feet can easily slip off pedals, and this loss of traction is dangerous in any setting, especially when quick braking is needed.
Barefoot Driving for Commercial and Professional Drivers
It’s worth noting that while private vehicle operators are not restricted, some commercial driving employers have internal policies requiring shoes for liability and safety reasons. Long-haul truck drivers between Denver and Salt Lake City, or bus operators in cities like Colorado Springs, may be required by company policy to wear appropriate footwear—even though state law does not require it.
Motorcycle and Bicycle Riders
While barefoot driving in a car is legal, operating a motorcycle or bicycle barefoot is strongly discouraged and may be regulated by additional rules, especially in professional or competitive contexts. For example, motorcycle riders in some other states must wear shoes, but Colorado currently does not extend that requirement.
Driving Barefoot After Outdoor Activities
After a day at Cherry Creek State Park or tubing in Boulder Creek, drivers in Denver and Boulder often toss their water shoes or sandals aside. It can be tempting to drive home barefoot, but remember that any injury, accident, or evidence of reduced vehicle control tied to bare feet could complicate things legally and with your insurance provider.
Why So Many Coloradoans Drive Barefoot—And What to Watch Out For
Many locals, from the college students of Fort Collins to the retirees in Colorado Springs, occasionally drive barefoot for comfort. On long road trips or after a hike, removing shoes can relieve swelling or discomfort. Yet, most traffic safety experts caution that what feels comfortable may not be what’s safest.
Risks range from unexpected emergency maneuvers—think of a deer darting in front of your car in Estes Park—to the need to exit your vehicle quickly after a crash. In these moments, being barefoot could increase your vulnerability to injury.
Barefoot Driving Elsewhere: A National Perspective
Colorado isn’t alone in its approach. Across the United States, it is legal to drive barefoot in all 50 states. However, the same caveats apply: if being barefoot contributes to causing an accident, or if there is a claim of carelessness, legal consequences may follow.
Some states more explicitly urge drivers to wear shoes, especially in areas known for busy highways or hazardous weather. Nationally, only Alabama has a direct law requiring motorcyclists (but not drivers) to wear shoes.
Best Practices for Safe Driving in Colorado
For anyone driving Colorado’s diverse landscapes—from ski towns like Telluride to the plains of Sterling—the following best practices are suggested:
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Choose footwear that provides grip and a stable platform for operating pedals.
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Avoid loose, heavy, or open-toed shoes that can slip or catch.
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If you must go barefoot, make sure your feet are dry and clean, and be aware of the potential liability in crashes.
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Keep a pair of comfortable shoes in your car, especially for long trips, unpredictable weather, or unexpected emergencies.
Common Questions About Barefoot Driving in Colorado
Can I be fined for driving barefoot in Denver?
No, you cannot be fined solely for being barefoot while driving in Denver—or anywhere else in Colorado. However, if you’re involved in an accident and shoeless driving is deemed a factor, you might face citations for carelessness.
Will my insurance cover an accident if I was barefoot in Aurora or Grand Junction?
Insurance policies generally cover accidents regardless of footwear, but if driving barefoot contributed to the crash, it might be used to argue you were partially at fault or reduce your payout.
Is it safer to drive barefoot than in heels or flip-flops in Fort Collins?
Many experts consider both bare feet and loose footwear risky. Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are typically seen as safest for pedal control and protection.
Do local rules in mountain towns like Aspen or Breckenridge require shoes?
No city or town in Colorado has stricter footwear requirements than state law. Barefoot driving is legal in all Colorado municipalities.
What about Colorado’s seatbelt laws or other driving restrictions?
These laws are entirely separate. While seatbelt use is mandatory, footwear choice is up to the driver—unless other unsafe driving laws are triggered by your choice.
The Final Word
While it remains perfectly legal to drive barefoot in Colorado throughout 2025, safety experts and law enforcement alike advise wearing practical shoes whenever possible. This recommendation goes double for driving in hazardous conditions, during mountain trips, or in heavy city traffic. So, whether you’re enjoying a barefoot cruise through Boulder or tackling winter roads in Colorado Springs, know your rights—and make smart choices behind the wheel.
