No, driving without a shirt in South Korea violates the Road Traffic Act (제44조) and local ordinances enforced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT). While not explicitly banned nationwide, police discretion under “safe driving” clauses (안전운전 의무) often leads to citations, with Seoul and Busan imposing stricter local penalties effective 2026.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in South Korea
- Road Traffic Act (제44조): Mandates drivers maintain attire that does not obstruct safe operation, interpreted to require shirts.
- Local Ordinances: Seoul Metropolitan Government (2024) and Busan City (2025 draft) explicitly prohibit shirtless driving, with fines up to ₩50,000 (Seoul) or mandatory traffic safety education (Busan).
- Police Enforcement: Officers may issue warnings or fines under “disturbing public order” (공공질서 방해) if shirtless driving is deemed reckless, per MOLIT’s 2023 enforcement guidelines.
Violations are recorded in the National Police Agency’s traffic violation database, potentially affecting insurance premiums. Exceptions exist for medical emergencies or religious attire, but these require prior approval from local authorities.