Yes, driving without a shirt is not explicitly prohibited under Belgian federal traffic law, but local ordinances and municipal regulations impose significant restrictions.
Under the Belgian Road Code (Code de la route), Article 8.1 mandates that drivers maintain “proper attire” to avoid distractions or hazards, interpreted by local authorities as requiring a shirt. Municipalities such as Brussels-Capital Region and Flanders enforce this via police directives, citing public decency and road safety. Non-compliance risks fines up to €137.50 under local police regulations, enforced by municipal police forces.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Belgium
- Federal Road Code (Art. 8.1): Requires drivers to wear “suitable clothing” to prevent distractions, with shirts deemed necessary by enforcement bodies.
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like Antwerp and Ghent explicitly ban shirtless driving under local public order laws, enforced by municipal police.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Flemish government plans to codify shirt requirements in traffic regulations by 2026, aligning with EU road safety directives on driver attire.