No, driving without a shirt in Mexico is not explicitly prohibited by federal law, but local traffic codes and municipal ordinances often impose restrictions. The Reglamento de Tránsito del Distrito Federal (2023) and similar state-level regulations mandate “decent attire” for drivers, leaving enforcement to local authorities. Non-compliance risks fines or vehicle impoundment under public decency statutes.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Mexico
- Federal Traffic Law (Art. 76, Ley de Vialidad Federal): While silent on shirt requirements, it empowers states to regulate “public decency” in vehicles, creating a patchwork of local rules.
- Mexico City Traffic Code (Art. 12, Reglamento de Tránsito): Explicitly requires drivers to wear “suitable clothing,” interpreted by courts as covering the torso. Violations incur fines up to 500 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMAs).
- State-Specific Ordinances: Jalisco’s Reglamento de Tránsito (2024) and Nuevo León’s Código de Vialidad (2025) classify shirtless driving as a “minor infraction,” subject to on-the-spot fines. Police discretion varies by municipality.
Local enforcement trends show increased scrutiny in tourist-heavy zones (e.g., Cancún, Playa del Carmen) under Ley de Cultura Cívica (2022), which penalizes “indecent exposure” in public spaces. Commercial drivers (e.g., taxis, rideshares) face stricter dress codes per NOM-012-SCT-2-2023 safety standards.