No, South Dakota law does not explicitly prohibit driving without a shirt, but local ordinances and public decency statutes in municipalities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City may impose restrictions.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in South Dakota
- Public Indecency Statutes (SDCL 22-19-3): While state law lacks a specific shirt requirement, local enforcement may interpret “indecent exposure” as driving shirtless in public spaces, particularly near schools or parks.
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities such as Sioux Falls (Ordinance 10-1-15) and Rapid City (Ordinance 17-1-12) enforce dress codes in public areas, with shirtless driving potentially falling under “disorderly conduct” if deemed disruptive.
- Commercial Vehicle Exceptions (SDCL 32-35-1): Truck drivers and commercial operators must adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, which mandate proper attire for safety compliance, though this does not explicitly require shirts.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts in South Dakota emphasize local autonomy in public decency enforcement, with county sheriffs empowered to issue citations under broad public nuisance statutes. While state courts have not directly ruled on shirtless driving, precedent suggests enforcement hinges on perceived public disturbance rather than the absence of a shirt alone.