A ferroelectric liquid crystal element with plural surface stabilization states is driven by applying, during a transition inhibition period, an alternating voltage to generate an electric field in the liquid crystal portion in which no transition of a surface stabilization state occurs. The value of the alternating voltage is set not to be greater than that which generates in the liquid crystal a shear stress based on the drive force that is equal to the static frictional force at the interfaces between the surfaces of the electrode substrates and the liquid crystal molecules.