Yes, driving barefoot is legal in Maine, as the state’s traffic laws do not explicitly prohibit it. The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) enforces the Uniform Vehicle Code, which lacks provisions on footwear, leaving discretion to drivers. However, local ordinances or municipal regulations may impose indirect restrictions under broader safety statutes.
Key Regulations for Driving Barefoot in Maine
- No Explicit Ban: Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §2072 does not mention footwear, leaving barefoot driving unregulated at the state level.
- Local Ordinance Risks: Some municipalities, such as Portland, may interpret “improper control” (§2073) to include barefoot driving if it impairs pedal operation, though enforcement is rare.
- Insurance Implications: While not illegal, insurers (e.g., State Farm Maine) may deny claims if barefoot driving is deemed negligent under policy exclusions for “unsafe operation.”
The Maine Department of Public Safety’s 2026 compliance guidelines emphasize driver responsibility over footwear, but recommend footwear for optimal pedal control. Courts have not ruled on barefoot driving cases, leaving interpretation to law enforcement discretion.