No, driving without a shirt in North Carolina is prohibited under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2, which mandates proper attire for vehicle occupants. Local ordinances, enforced by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and municipal police, classify shirtless driving as a secondary offense under distracted driving statutes. Violations may incur fines up to $100, though enforcement remains discretionary.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in North Carolina
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-135.2: Requires drivers and passengers to wear “proper clothing” that covers “private areas,” interpreted as shirts or equivalent attire. Failure to comply may result in a Class 3 misdemeanor charge.
- Local Enforcement Variability: Municipalities like Charlotte and Raleigh prioritize shirtless driving under distracted driving policies, while rural counties often overlook it unless paired with other violations.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The N.C. DMV’s 2026 regulatory review may reclassify shirtless driving as a primary offense, aligning with neighboring states’ stricter enforcement trends. Stakeholders anticipate updated guidance by Q3 2025.