The country that bans shirtless driving

Yesterday at 01:45 PM

While some Australians are used to driving shirtless or topless to combat the summer heat, it's a different story in Thailand.

Despite the tropical Asian country being known for its humid weather most days of the year, it's illegal for any driver to drive a car or ride a motorcycle without a shirt on, and any person – local or tourist – caught breaking the road rule can be fined.

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In December 2024, a British tourist made local headlines following an incident where the 34-year-old man was stopped on the street after Thai police found the driver not wearing a helmet and a shirt while riding a motorcycle.

When asked by road authorities to show his documents, including his licence, the alleged offender reportedly refused to cooperate and ignored police.

According to Thailand news outlet The Pattaya News, road authorities handed the alleged offender a traffic infringement for failing to wear a helmet and not having the appropriate licence.

But rather than comply with the police, the British traveller reportedly ate the ticket and continued to ignore police directions while his behaviour escalated, leading to Thai police temporarily detaining the alleged offender and later charging him with multiple offences.

While the traveller was charged with offences not relating to shirtless driving, the local newspaper clarified, "In Thailand, it is indeed illegal for men to not wear a shirt in certain contexts, particularly when driving a vehicle."

"The law explicitly prohibits driving a car or motorcycle without a shirt, with potential penalties including fines. This rule is occasionally enforced, especially if a complaint is filed or if police are particularly vigilant," The Pattaya News reported.

While the publication didn't specify what road rules and fines apply, Section 388 of Thailand's Criminal Code states that "any person who performs such a disgraceful act in public by undressing himself, exhibiting his undressed person or committing any other act of obscenity" can face a maximum penalty of 500 baht ($AU23).

Is it legal to drive topless in Australia?

Yes and no, it depends on the context.

While there’s no definitive rule prohibiting Australian drivers from driving without a shirt or a top on, meaning shirtless or topless driving is technically legal, the legality comes into question depending on the setting and the nature of the exposure.

Similar to Thailand, there are laws in Australia that prohibit people from obscenely exposing their body parts in public areas like schools, shopping centres and roads, and authorities can penalise drivers for shirtless driving if they are in a public setting.

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Additionally, local council rules could also play a part in determining if driving topless is a fineable offence.

"It is not illegal to drive naked [in Tasmania], but it is illegal to be naked in a public place. If someone is naked in their car and drawing attention to themselves, it may be deemed an offence under the Police Offences Act 1935," a spokesperson for the Tasmanian Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services, previously explained.

Broadly speaking, a Western Australia Police spokesperson told Drive the penalties for driving without a shirt or top on is dependent "on the explanation provided by the person and circumstances. Various offences may be applicable."

As a reminder, public obscenity and indecent exposure can incur thousands of dollars in fines across various Australian states and territories.

In New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, they carry a maximum penalty of $1100, $1950, $2500, and $6260, respectively.

What do you think? Should Australia ban shirtless driving? Let us know in the comments below!

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