No, driving without a shirt in Egypt is prohibited under Article 31 of the Egyptian Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973, as amended by Law No. 121 of 2008, which mandates proper attire for drivers. Violations may result in fines up to EGP 400 (approximately $13 USD) enforced by the Traffic Department of the Ministry of Interior. Local traffic units in Cairo and Giza have intensified enforcement since 2023 to curb distracted driving behaviors.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Egypt
- Article 31 Compliance: Requires drivers to wear shirts or other upper-body garments that cover the torso adequately.
- Traffic Enforcement Measures: Police may issue on-the-spot fines or detain vehicles for non-compliance, particularly in urban centers.
- Local Bylaws: Some governorates, such as Cairo, impose additional municipal regulations reinforcing attire standards for public safety.
The law aligns with broader road safety initiatives, including the 2026 National Road Safety Strategy, which prioritizes driver visibility and decorum. While cultural norms may tolerate casual dress in private settings, public roadways demand adherence to statutory dress codes. Non-Egyptian drivers are subject to identical penalties, per bilateral traffic agreements.