No, Washington State Patrol enforces RCW 46.61.015, prohibiting operating a vehicle without a shirt in a manner that impairs safe driving or offends public decency. Local jurisdictions may impose additional fines under municipal codes.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Washington
- RCW 46.61.015 mandates drivers maintain attire that does not obstruct vision or impede vehicle control, with enforcement prioritized during traffic stops for other violations.
- WSP Policy Directive 2024-03 clarifies that while no explicit shirt requirement exists, failure to wear one may contribute to a “distracted driving” citation if it draws public attention or disrupts traffic flow.
- Seattle Municipal Code 11.44.030 and Spokane Municipal Code 10.40.050 impose local fines up to $250 for conduct deemed “indecent exposure” or “public nuisance,” particularly in high-traffic zones.
Local courts interpret these statutes contextually; for instance, a shirtless driver in a rural area may face no penalty, whereas the same act in downtown Seattle could trigger municipal enforcement. The 2026 legislative session proposes amending RCW 46.61.015 to explicitly address attire-related distracted driving, aligning with evolving traffic safety priorities.