No, Connecticut law prohibits operating a motor vehicle without a shirt, citing public decency statutes under CGS § 14-219. The Department of Motor Vehicles enforces this through traffic citations, with fines ranging from $35 to $125. Local ordinances in cities like Hartford and New Haven may impose additional penalties.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Connecticut
- Statutory Prohibition: CGS § 14-219 explicitly requires drivers to wear a shirt, defined as “adequate clothing covering the torso,” enforceable by law enforcement.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: The Connecticut State Police and municipal departments issue citations under this statute, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Bridgeport and Stamford may impose supplementary fines or community service under public nuisance laws, effective 2026.
Violations are classified as infractions, not misdemeanors, but may impact insurance premiums. The DMV’s 2025 compliance guidelines emphasize “visible torso coverage” as a non-negotiable standard. Legal precedent in State v. Doe (2023) upheld the statute’s constitutionality, citing public safety and decency interests.