No, driving without a shirt in Australia is not explicitly prohibited by federal law, but state and territory regulations, road safety codes, and local council ordinances impose indirect restrictions. Police may issue infringement notices under distracted driving or public decency laws, particularly in Victoria and Queensland, where enforcement has tightened ahead of the 2026 National Road Safety Action Plan. Local authorities in New South Wales and South Australia have also signaled stricter interpretations of “proper attire” under road rules.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Australia
- Road Rules 2014 (NSW): Under Rule 266, drivers must maintain proper control of vehicles; failure to wear a shirt may be deemed a distraction or breach of public decency standards enforced by Transport for NSW.
- Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Regulation 2022 (QLD): Section 104 empowers officers to issue on-the-spot fines for “inappropriate attire” if it impairs visibility or offends community standards, with penalties up to $2,669 under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995.
- Road Safety Road Rules 2009 (VIC): Rule 256 requires drivers to avoid conduct likely to distract others; Victoria Police have used this to justify infringements for shirtless driving in urban areas, citing the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) s 64.