No, driving without a shirt in Portugal is not explicitly prohibited by national traffic law, but municipal ordinances and public decency norms under the Código da Estrada (Road Traffic Code) may impose indirect restrictions, particularly in urban areas. Local police (Polícia Municipal or GNR) retain discretion to issue fines for “breach of public order” under Decreto-Lei n.º 104/2019, which regulates public conduct. The Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária (ANSR) has signaled potential 2026 amendments to clarify attire standards, aligning with EU road safety directives.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Portugal
- Public Decency Clause: Municipalities like Lisbon and Porto enforce Regulamentos Municipais de Polícia (e.g., Regulamento Municipal de Lisboa, Artigo 12.º), which prohibit attire deemed “offensive or indecent” in public spaces, including vehicles. Violations may incur fines up to €300 under Lei n.º 50/2006.
- Distraction Risk: The Código da Estrada (Artigo 52.º) requires drivers to maintain full control of vehicles. Police may cite shirtless driving as a distraction risk, especially during daylight hours, under Portaria n.º 153/2021.
- Commercial Vehicles: Drivers of taxis, buses, or delivery vehicles face stricter scrutiny from Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT), which mandates professional attire standards under Portaria n.º 263/2012. Non-compliance can trigger license suspension.