What does the Law Says?
No, it is not illegal to drive barefoot, in flip-flops, or even in high heels in any Canadian province or territory.
In Canada, you can wear any kind of footwear, or even no footwear at all while driving a vehicle, since you do not have to wear a closed toe shoe according to any law in any Canadian province’s Highway Traffic Act.
Before you put on your flip-flops go to the beach, there is one major legal consideration to think about.
The Big Caveat: “Careless Driving” Laws
You cannot be issued a traffic citation for driving barefoot or wearing flimsy sandals – it is not a criminal offence in itself. But if you have an accident because you were either not wearing shoes or were inappropriately dressed at the time of the accident, this could lead to a charge of careless or reckless driving.
If a police officer believes that you were driving erratically (due to your no shoes or flip-flops), that you caused your foot to slip off the brake pedal, or that your shoes contributed to causing the accident, then you will not be charged with inappropriate footwear; rather, you will be charged with careless (or reckless) driving or driving without due care and attention, depending on the jurisdiction in which you reside.
Careless Driving is a general law that applies throughout Canada to ensure that drivers do not operate their vehicles without consideration for others.
If you were to get your flip flop wedged between your accelerator and your brake and couldn’t stop or were to lose traction from your shoe when you thought you were stopping your vehicle in an emergency – that’s classified as Carelessly driving- that means the law holds you fully culpable.
Carelessly driving carries some very severe penalties that could include:
- Fines ranging from $400 up to $2,000.
- 6 demerits against your driver’s license.
- Exponential increases in your auto insurance premiums.
- Lose your Driver’s License for a specified period or serve time in Jail.
The Law Across All 13 Provinces and Territories
To help clarify local hearsay about the law in relation to speeding tickets for all jurisdiction kinds in Canada, I provide the statutory definitions below.
Why Driving Barefoot or in Flip-Flops is a Bad Idea
While there may be no laws prohibiting driving barefoot, doing so is not considered a sensible idea by driving instructors and safety authorities for several straightforward reasons.
- Reduced Braking Force: Without a shoe or footwear, no one is able to exert nearly the same degree of force when they put their foot down against a car’s brake pedal due to the way your feet come in contact with the pedal’s surface. The difference in force exerted by your feet during this emergency will determine if you can stop before hitting the vehicle ahead of you.
- Slippage: When both your feet are wet, whether it is from going into a pool or being active, slippery rubber and metal pedals can quickly make a foot slide off of either the pedal may they be clutch or brake.
- The Flip-Flop Trap: Flip-flops and sandals are infamous for being unsafe and should never be worn when driving. The open back allows your heel to become stuck when stepping on the brake or accelerator pedal, causing either to be stuck in one place, which will cause the vehicle either to continue at the same speed or to stop.
- Crash Debris: You should be aware that in the event of an accident, if you must exit your vehicle quickly, you could make the situation much worse by having to walk on hot asphalt, broken glass, or jagged metal on the ground without shoes.
👟 Quick Guide: The Best and Worst Shoes for Driving
Keep this quick checklist in mind next time you grab your keys:
- ✅ Best Choice: Sneakers, loafers, or flat boots. (They offer good grip, a solid sole for braking, and won’t slip off).
- ⚠️ Risky Choice: Heavy winter or work boots. (While legal, the thick soles can make it hard to feel the pedals and judge pressure).
- ❌ Worst Choice: Flip-flops, slides, stilettos, or barefoot. (High risk of slipping, getting wedged, or lacking the necessary braking force).
CHECK OUT: Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Canada? The Complete Provincial Guide
The Bottom Line
You will not be cited for having bare feet. However, if you would like to keep your driving history clean or lower your car insurance, it is important to spend five seconds putting on some shoes before putting your car into gear.
