No, Italian traffic laws do not explicitly prohibit driving shirtless, but Article 174 of the Highway Code mandates “appropriate attire” to avoid distraction, with local police empowered to issue fines up to €500 under public decency clauses. Regional ordinances, such as Lazio’s 2024 Regolamento per la Tutela della Decenza Pubblica, further restrict shirtless driving in urban areas, particularly near schools or religious sites, aligning with 2026 EU road safety compliance directives.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Italy
- Public Decency Clauses: Police may cite Article 726 of the Penal Code for “indecent exposure,” especially in tourist-heavy zones like Rome or Florence, where enforcement targets public nuisance.
- Traffic Safety Mandates: Article 174 requires drivers to wear clothing that “does not impair visibility or control,” interpreted strictly if shirtless driving causes distractions (e.g., sun glare on bare skin).
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Milan and Naples enforce additional bans under regolamenti comunali, with fines escalating during summer months or public events (e.g., Festa della Repubblica).
Enforcement varies by region, but courts consistently uphold fines when shirtless driving is deemed a safety or decency violation. Tourists face higher scrutiny, as local authorities prioritize compliance with EU-wide road safety frameworks.