No, driving without a shirt in Argentina is not explicitly prohibited by national traffic law, but local ordinances in Buenos Aires and Córdoba impose fines under public decency statutes. Municipal police enforce these rules inconsistently, creating ambiguity for drivers.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Argentina
- Buenos Aires City Ordinance 26.373 (2023 amendment) classifies shirtless driving as a “minor infraction” under Article 5.2, punishable by fines up to ARS 15,000 (≈USD 15) or community service. Enforcement spikes during summer months.
- Córdoba Province Traffic Law 10.208 (2024 update) mandates “adequate attire” for drivers, with shirtless operation potentially triggering fines under public order regulations enforced by the Policía Caminera.
- National Traffic Law 24.449 lacks explicit shirt requirements, deferring to provincial/municipal discretion. However, Article 6.3 empowers officers to cite drivers for “disturbing public order,” a clause often applied to shirtless cases.
Enforcement varies by jurisdiction; tourist-heavy areas like Mendoza or Bariloche rarely penalize shirtless driving, while urban centers like Rosario actively issue citations. The Secretaría de Transporte de la Nación has signaled plans to standardize shirt-related infractions by 2026, aligning with Mercosur public decency guidelines. Drivers should verify local ordinances before operating vehicles shirtless to mitigate legal risk.