No, driving without a shirt in Colombia is prohibited under Article 12 of the Código Nacional de Tránsito (Law 769 of 2002, amended by Law 1811 of 2016), which mandates proper attire for drivers to ensure road safety and decency. Violations may result in fines up to 15 minimum legal monthly wages (COP 18,150,000 in 2024) or vehicle impoundment. Municipal traffic authorities (Secretarías de Movilidad) enforce this rule, with Bogotá and Medellín imposing stricter local ordinances.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Colombia
- National Traffic Code (Law 769/2002, Art. 12): Requires drivers to wear shirts or upper-body garments that cover the torso fully. Failure to comply constitutes a traffic infraction under infracción tipo 3, punishable by fines.
- Local Ordinances: Bogotá’s Acuerdo 790 de 2018 and Medellín’s Decreto 1077 de 2015 reinforce national standards, adding potential vehicle immobilization for repeat offenders or public disturbance.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The Ministerio de Transporte is drafting updates to align with Plan Nacional de Seguridad Vial 2030, proposing stricter penalties (e.g., mandatory defensive driving courses for shirtless violations) to curb distracted driving risks.
Enforcement prioritizes urban areas due to higher pedestrian density, though rural regions may overlook minor infractions. Drivers should note that passengers are not explicitly regulated under national law but may face local decency ordinances.