No. Driving without a shirt in Japan violates the Road Traffic Act (Act No. 105 of 1960) and local ordinances, risking fines or penalties. The National Police Agency (NPA) enforces attire standards to ensure road safety, with municipal police departments (e.g., Tokyo Metropolitan Police) actively monitoring violations. While no explicit national law bans shirtless driving, Article 71(1) of the Road Traffic Act prohibits “unnecessary or improper” conduct that may distract drivers or endanger others. Local governments, such as Osaka Prefecture, have introduced supplementary regulations under the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Ordinance (2023 revisions), explicitly prohibiting shirtless driving in urban areas. Non-compliance may result in a fine of up to ¥50,000 under the Minor Offenses Act (Act No. 39 of 1948).
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Japan
- Road Traffic Act (Article 71(1)): Prohibits “unnecessary or improper” conduct that could impair driving safety, interpreted to include shirtless driving in public roads.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Tokyo and Osaka enforce stricter rules under the Road Traffic Act Enforcement Ordinance, with explicit shirtless driving bans in high-traffic zones.
- Minor Offenses Act (Article 1(1)): Violations may incur fines up to ¥50,000, enforced by local police departments under NPA guidelines.