Avoid Getting Fined For This Common Clothing Mistake While Out In Public In Spain

A trip to the Spanish coast is synonymous with sun, sea, and relaxed living. Iconic beaches feature bronzed bodies in various states of undress, but believing this informal approach also applies to wearing swimwear or bearing your torso on the streets is a common mistake to avoid when visiting Spain.

Spain is known for its warmth, as in both the weather and the friendly welcome offered to visitors, but there are noticeable differences when it comes to dress codes. What is considered acceptable wardrobe changes sharply once you step away from Spain's dazzling beaches, so take a moment to understand how both locals and authorities approach skimpy attire, both when strolling around and when you get behind the wheel.

Each municipality has its own ordinances regarding public decency, but the general rule is clear: walking around in your bathing suit or shirtless is a no-no, and it can cost you. Since there is no one-size-fits-all regulation, the easiest solution is to keep a light shirt or tank top handy at all times. Opt for casual summer clothes like linen shirts, lightweight dresses, or breezy tops, which keep you cool while respecting local customs.

While there is no nationwide law that bans walking around without a shirt on, as reported by the daily newspaper El Economista, each town has the power to issue its own local regulations in this respect. Short of checking the rules for every community you plan to visit, it is safe to say that you are better off just assuming that the rule applies.

You may not think twice about peeling off your t-shirt while going for your run on a sweltering day, but the penalty for infringing this etiquette rule is nothing to sneeze at. In Barcelona or Mallorca, walking around in swimwear or without a shirt could get you a fine of $230, and in Alicante it could climb to almost $900, according to the report.

The message is clear: visualize an imaginary line. On the beach, anything goes, but as you re-enter the urbanized areas, put away the beachwear and dress as you would in any other town. Yet another reason why tourists need to be cautious about the clothes they pack when on a trip to Europe.

Spain is an unbeatable country in Europe for the most unforgettable road trips. When it comes to the required dress code for driving a vehicle in Spain, the traffic law leaves this somewhat up to interpretation. Insurance provider Allianz said on its website that the official driving regulations in Spain do not explicitly prohibit driving without a shirt on. The rules do indicate, however, that the driver must be dressed appropriately to not be restricted in movement and be able to retain control of the vehicle at all times.

Allianz explains that law enforcement will consider driving shirtless to fall foul of this rule, and it doesn't stop at your torso; it also extends to your footwear. Operating a vehicle in flip-flops is not acceptable either. Both cases can be considered to be either risky or distracting (or both). Once again, while driving with your exposed torso or wearing your cutest Havaianas may not seem like a serious transgression, it can still cost you a pretty penny, as authorities can impose a traffic violation fine between $90 and $230, according to Allianz's website. 

On the subject of rules of the road, although not strictly related to what you are wearing, news site Murcia Today reminds drivers that propping your elbow out the window, or allowing your passenger to put their feet up on the dashboard, may also get you in trouble as it is considered unsafe. While some rules may seem surprising to visitors, dressing appropriately is not only a way to avoid unnecessary headaches and expense, but also to show appreciation for Spanish culture. Blending in like a local is part of the joy of traveling, even if it means keeping your shirt on until you hit the sand.