Indiana Drivers: Your Dashboard is Not a Foot Rest

Here’s Why You Should Never Let Your Kids Put Their Feet on the Dash When Driving

Well we talked about driving barefoot and if it's legal in Indiana, then it brought up another discussion. You can drive with your arm out the window but can you legally drive with your foot out the window?

Or maybe you like to kick your feet up on the dashboard, which is honestly a common thing for passengers to do. If you’ve spent any time driving around Evansville whether it’s a quick run down the Lloyd Expressway or a weekend trip along the river you’ve probably seen it: a passenger kicked back, feet up on the dashboard, enjoying the ride.

It might look comfortable. It might even feel harmless. But safety experts say it’s one of the most dangerous habits you can allow in a moving vehicle, especially for kids.

What Really Happens in a Crash

What you really need to keep in mind is modern vehicles are designed with safety in mind, and one of the most important features is the airbag. But airbags deploy fast like really fast. In a crash, a front passenger airbag can deploy at speeds between 100–200 mph in a fraction of a second.

If a child (or anyone) has their feet on the dashboard when that airbag deploys, the force can slam their legs back toward their body instantly. The result? Severe injuries like:

• Broken legs and hips
• Pelvic fractures
• Spinal injuries
• Facial trauma

In worst-case scenarios, it can even be fatal.

Why It’s Especially Dangerous for Kids

Kids are naturally restless, especially on longer drives like heading out to Mesker Park Zoo or taking a family day trip. Stretching out and putting their feet up might seem like a way to get comfortable, but their growing bodies are more vulnerable to serious injury.

Plus, kids may not understand the risk unless it’s explained to them clearly. That’s why this is one habit parents need to shut down early.

Is It Illegal in Indiana?

Well, here's where things get a little tricky. In Indiana, there’s no specific law that says you can’t ride with your feet on the dashboard. So technically, it’s not illegal.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s safe or that you couldn’t still get in trouble.

If a police officer believes a passenger is riding in an unsafe way, it could fall under broader safety or reckless behavior concerns. More importantly, if an accident happens and someone is injured because they were sitting improperly, it could impact insurance claims or liability.

Well What About Hanging Your Foot Out the Window?

Now this is not as common as putting your feet on the dashboard or sticking your arm out the window but it is something that you might see every once in a while. You’ve probably seen this too—especially in the summer around Evansville—someone cruising with their foot hanging out the window.

Again, not specifically illegal in Indiana but still a bad idea.

Here’s why:

•  Debris and road hazards can cause serious injury
• You’re completely unprotected in an accident
• It can be considered distracting or unsafe behavior
• Sudden stops or swerves could lead to immediate injury

In short: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Safer Ways to Stay Comfortable on the Road

If your kids are getting restless in the car, there are better (and safer) options:

• Adjust the seat position properly
• Take breaks on longer drives
• Bring pillows or travel cushions
• Keep them entertained with music, games, or audiobooks

The Bottom Line

It’s one of those habits that doesn’t seem like a big deal—until it is.

Whether you’re heading across town in Evansville or taking a longer road trip, keeping feet off the dashboard (and inside the vehicle) is a simple step that can prevent life-changing injuries.

Sometimes the smallest safety rules make the biggest difference.

To read more about driving laws in Indiana click here

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