No, driving without a shirt in Costa Rica violates Ley de Tránsito por Vías Públicas Terrestres (Law No. 9078), enforced by the Dirección General de Tránsito y Seguridad Vial (DGTSV). While no statute explicitly bans shirtless driving, Article 124 prohibits “distractions or improper attire” that impair road safety, and Article 127 penalizes conduct deemed “contrary to public order.” Police discretion under Reglamento a la Ley de Tránsito (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 42598-MP) allows citations for shirtless driving as a form of “indecent exposure” or “reckless behavior,” particularly in urban areas. The DGTSV’s 2024 circular (Circular DG-2024-003) reinforced enforcement, aligning with 2026 road safety targets to reduce distracted driving incidents by 15%.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Costa Rica
- Article 124 of Ley 9078: Prohibits attire or actions that “distract other drivers or pedestrians,” with shirtless driving interpreted as a potential hazard under this clause.
- Article 127 of Ley 9078: Classifies “improper conduct” as a traffic infraction, punishable by fines (₡50,000–₡150,000, ~$90–$270 USD) or vehicle impoundment for repeat offenses.
- DGTSV Circular DG-2024-003: Directs officers to prioritize enforcement in high-traffic zones (e.g., San José, Alajuela) and tourist-heavy areas, citing “public decency” concerns under Código Penal (Article 375) for severe cases.