No, Missouri law does not explicitly prohibit driving without a shirt, but local ordinances and traffic safety regulations may impose indirect restrictions. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and municipal police departments interpret open-shirt driving as a potential distraction or public nuisance under broader traffic safety statutes. While no statewide statute exists, St. Louis and Kansas City have cited drivers under municipal codes for “disorderly conduct” or “unsafe vehicle operation” when shirtless driving contributes to traffic incidents.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Missouri
- Municipal Ordinances: Cities like St. Louis (Sec. 11.16.010) and Kansas City (Sec. 38-37) may penalize shirtless driving as a form of public indecency or disorderly conduct if deemed disruptive to public order.
- Traffic Safety Statutes: Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.012, drivers must maintain control of vehicles; shirtless operation could be cited if it impairs visibility or causes a distraction leading to a traffic violation.
- Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) may cite commercial drivers for shirtless operation under § 390.3, which requires drivers to wear “suitable clothing” for safe operation.
Local law enforcement retains discretion in enforcing these provisions, particularly in high-traffic or tourist-heavy areas. No 2026 compliance shifts are pending, but municipalities periodically review public decency ordinances. Drivers should verify local rules before operating shirtless to avoid potential citations.