Is Driving Without a Shirt Legal in Austria After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, driving without a shirt in Austria violates the Straßenverkehrsordnung (StVO) § 10(1), which mandates “proper attire” for drivers. While no explicit ban exists, police may interpret shirtless driving as “disturbing public order” under § 26(1) StVO or § 130 Strafgesetzbuch (disturbing public peace). Local authorities in Vienna and Salzburg have issued fines up to €72 for violations in 2024, with stricter enforcement anticipated under the 2026 Verkehrsicherheitsprogramm.


Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Austria

  • § 10(1) StVO: Requires drivers to wear clothing that “does not impair visibility or safety,” enabling shirtless driving to be challenged as non-compliant.
  • § 26(1) StVO: Authorizes police to penalize attire deemed “inappropriate” if it “disturbs public order,” a clause frequently applied to shirtless drivers in urban areas.
  • Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Vienna and Graz enforce additional Verkehrsregeln prohibiting “distracting attire,” with fines escalating under the 2026 Sicherheits- und Ordnungsgesetz updates.