Is driving shirtless penalized with demerit points?
3 Answers
Although driving shirtless is not considered a traffic violation, it does not comply with civilized driving norms, so it is advisable to avoid driving shirtless whenever possible. Additional information: The following are relevant introductions to illegal driving behaviors: 1. Hanging objects that obstruct vision: Hanging or placing items within the front and rear windows of the vehicle's cabin that obstruct the driver's line of sight. 2. Using a phone while driving: Making or receiving handheld phone calls, watching TV, or engaging in other behaviors that compromise safe driving. 3. Fatigue driving: Continuously driving a motor vehicle for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or taking a rest break of less than 20 minutes. 4. Unnecessary honking: Honking the horn in areas or road sections where horn use is prohibited.
In traffic regulations, driving shirtless does not result in penalty points, as penalties mainly target clear violations such as speeding or running red lights. However, based on my over 30 years of driving experience, going shirtless can easily distract you, especially in summer when sweat makes your body stick uncomfortably to the seat. Losing focus might cause you to miss traffic signals or fail to change lanes promptly, leading to being pulled over by police for uncivilized driving. While it won’t directly incur penalty points, if it leads to speeding or an accident, points will inevitably be deducted. Therefore, I recommend wearing breathable clothing while driving to stay alert and prioritize safety—not just to follow rules, but also to protect yourself and others.
Driving shirtless itself doesn't involve points deduction on the driver's license, as traffic regulations mainly penalize specific driving behaviors like phone use or drunk driving. However, I must warn that going shirtless may pose safety risks - direct skin contact with the steering wheel or seat could cause slipping during maneuvers, especially in hot weather when sweat affects grip. I once saw a shirtless driver whose sweaty hands slipped on the wheel, nearly causing a rear-end collision. While police didn't issue a ticket, they gave a verbal warning. For safety's sake, it's best to wear proper clothing to maintain comfort, focus, and avoid unnecessary trouble.
