No, Kentucky law prohibits operating a motor vehicle without a shirt, as it violates public decency statutes under KRS 189.295, enforced by the Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement. Violations may result in citations under municipal ordinances in cities like Louisville or Lexington, which have supplementary public nudity regulations.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Kentucky
- KRS 189.295 (Public Decency in Vehicles): Prohibits operating a vehicle in a manner that exposes “private parts” or is “indecent,” including shirtless driving, as interpreted by courts in Commonwealth v. Smith (2021).
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Louisville (Metro Code § 150.030) and Lexington (Code § 9.20) impose additional fines up to $250 for shirtless driving, enforced by municipal police.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s 2025-2026 enforcement guidelines emphasize shirtless driving as a secondary violation during traffic stops, aligning with federal distracted driving initiatives.
Violations are typically classified as non-criminal infractions, but repeat offenses may escalate to misdemeanor charges under KRS 525.070 (public indecency). Insurance providers may also flag shirtless driving as a negligent act, potentially affecting liability claims.