Answer: we cannot find a single law in any state in the United States which prohibits driving with both feet.
That being said, a driver could still receive a citation for driving with both feet.
In the article that follows, we’ll explain.
Is It Illegal To Drive With Both Feet? (Explained)
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Rules of the Road Generally
Each state has its own traffic laws, and the specifics can vary from state to state.
While driving with both feet (or even barefoot) may have been worthy of a traffic ticket in the past, most states have moved away from creating endless laws about what can and cannot be done while driving.
Instead, most states have moved to more general laws that mandate that drivers operate their car in a reasonable and safe manner.
For example, in Arizona, the state does not prohibit lane changes in intersections, despite the long held belief that such a movement is illegal.
Instead, the traffic code states:
A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety.
Arizona Revised Statutes
This gives officers the freedom to issue a citation if the movement was unreasonable or unsafe.
Driving With Both Feet
If there are no laws about driving with both feet (or even barefoot), then how could a driver get cited for two-footed driving?
Especially when two feet are 100% required to operate a car with a stick-shift (manual transmission)?
If the situation of driving with both feet was unreasonable or unsafe, or placed property or persons in danger, the driver could get cited.
For example, let’s say that the driver was using both feet, and managed to mistake one pedal for the other.
If the left foot or right foot failed to accurately and adequately operate the pedals, and the resulting driving is erratic or produces a wreck, the driver could get a ticket specifically for the two-footed driving.
However, it’ll probably be called something like “failure to follow the the basic rule” or “careless driving.”
Why Is it Bad To Drive With Both Feet?
It is not necessarily bad to drive with both feet.
As noted, sometimes it is necessary, as some cars require both feet to operate.
But when the car is an automatic, it is almost universally taught to new drivers to use only one foot.
Driving with one foot dramatically reduces the likelihood that the inexperienced driver would depress both gas and brake pedals at the same time, which could result in an unintended sudden acceleration or braking.
Could You Go To Jail For Driving With Both Feet?
The simple act of driving with both feet is unlikely to result in jail time.
However, if your behavior rose to the level of a criminal act while driving with both feet, then yes, you could go to jail.
This is especially the case if you were under the influence of intoxicants, traveling at a high rate of speed, distracted, or street racing.
If you are concerned about criminal charges associated with your driving, every lawyer would recommend that you contact a criminal defense lawyer in your state for state specific advice in your case.
Even if you don’t think you’ll need a lawyer or be able to afford a retained lawyer in your case, early consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your state could prevent you from making your case worse and give you guidance about what to do next.
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