No, Mississippi law does not explicitly prohibit driving without a shirt, but local ordinances and public decency statutes in municipalities like Jackson and Gulfport may impose restrictions under municipal codes. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety enforces vehicle equipment standards under Title 63 of the Mississippi Code, which does not address shirtless driving directly but may intersect with disorderly conduct laws. Recent 2026 compliance shifts in municipal policing emphasize discretionary enforcement in high-tourism areas.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Mississippi
- Public Indecency Laws (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-29-15): Municipalities may cite shirtless drivers under broader public decency statutes if behavior is deemed lewd or offensive, particularly in urban centers.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like Biloxi and Tupelo have enacted municipal codes prohibiting “indecent exposure” in public spaces, which courts have applied to vehicle occupants in certain contexts.
- Vehicle Equipment Standards (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-7-65): While not shirt-specific, officers may interpret shirtless driving as a distraction or violation of “safe operation” under § 63-7-65 if it impairs visibility or control.