On a scorching summer afternoon in Memphis, you slip off your sandals before heading out for groceries. Or maybe, during a weekend drive near the foothills of Chattanooga, you decide your feet deserve the feel of the pedal. But suddenly, the thought occurs: is driving barefoot against the law in Tennessee in 2025? Could those few moments of barefoot comfort lead to a fine—or worse, trouble in the event of an accident? This guide provides everything you need to know about barefoot driving in Tennessee, demystifies urban legends, presents real legal angles, and explores how this issue plays out in Nashville, Knoxville, and beyond.
The Law on Driving Barefoot in Tennessee
What the Tennessee State Law Says
Drivers across Tennessee, from busy Nashville highways to the scenic roads around Gatlinburg, often ask whether state law prohibits driving barefoot. As of 2025, there is no statute in Tennessee law that forbids operating a motor vehicle without shoes. This rule applies across the entire state, including larger metropolitan centers like Memphis and smaller towns like Franklin and Jackson.
No section of the Tennessee Code Annotated currently requires drivers to wear any specific type of footwear while driving a car, SUV, or pickup truck. Moreover, this legal stance is consistent with the policies of all 50 U.S. states; there is no law anywhere in America making barefoot driving categorically illegal.
Local City Regulations and Exceptions
Tennessee cities, such as Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Johnson City, have autonomy to adopt certain local ordinances. While the state does not require shoes for drivers, a handful of local city governments could enact rules about footwear. However, as of the latest reviews and public information in 2025, no major city or county in Tennessee specifically bans barefoot driving.
It’s always best to check with local law enforcement or city government websites—especially in smaller or more regulated municipalities—if you frequently drive barefoot or are concerned about unusual local ordinances. Still, in places like Chattanooga or Knoxville, there are no publicized restrictions relating to barefoot driving for general motorists.
The Urban Legend: Where Did the Barefoot Driving Myth Come From?
Nearly every motorist in Tennessee has heard at some point—perhaps from a parent, driving instructor, or well-meaning friend—that driving without shoes is illegal. This American urban legend dates back decades. In fact, in the 1990s, a man wrote to every state Department of Motor Vehicles and found that none banned barefoot driving for typical vehicles…