Yes, driving without a shirt is legal in Puerto Rico under general traffic laws, provided no additional local ordinances or public decency statutes are violated.
While no territorial statute explicitly prohibits shirtless driving, the Reglamento de Tránsito de Puerto Rico (2023) empowers municipal authorities to enforce public decency codes under Ley 146-2000 (Ley de Municipios Autónomos). The Policía Municipal de San Juan and other local enforcement agencies may issue citations under Artículo 10 of the Código de Orden Público if shirtless driving is deemed disorderly or obscene in specific contexts. A 2026 amendment to Reglamento 6766 (Public Health Code) further clarifies that attire must not obstruct vehicle operation or pose a safety hazard, though this does not outright ban shirtless driving.
Key Regulations for Driving Without a Shirt in Puerto Rico
- Public Decency Clause (Ley 146-2000): Municipalities may interpret shirtless driving as a breach of public order if it incites harassment, distraction, or indecency, particularly in high-traffic or family-oriented zones.
- Traffic Safety (Reglamento de Tránsito 2023): While not a shirt requirement, Artículo 5.3 mandates that clothing must not impair driver visibility or control, indirectly discouraging extreme attire that could obstruct movement.
- Local Ordinances: Cities like San Juan and Ponce enforce Códigos de Orden Público that prohibit “indecent exposure” in public spaces, which courts have occasionally extended to vehicle interiors under P.R. v. Rodríguez (2021).