Anyone know if it's legal to ride without a shirt in kansas?

jonogt · 10-13-2008, 11:51 AM

I've searched for info on this on state/DMV sites, but I can't seem to find anything. Does anyone do this or somehow know concretely if it's legal or illegal?
I know that we are one of a just a few states that doesn't have any helmet requirement (atleast for 18+ adults, not sure about younger riders) and I think most of the rest of the country thinks we are kind of lunatics for it. I do wear a legit DOT-approved helmet for highway riding and when conditions are on the more risky side. But if its summer time and 92 out and traffic is light, my large pair of aviators is all that's on my head, and if I can do so without getting a ticket, it'd be nice to be able to go shirtless on short and low-speed commutes.

I'm sure atleast one or two users will tell me to grow up and practice safer riding habits before I end up a skid mark on the road, and I won't deny they make a strong point. Live and let live I suppose... if/when I get a more aggressive bike, I believe I'll wise up a lot because I'll spend much more time at higher speeds.

Anywho, thanks for any input on the shirtless thing,
-Jon

10-13-2008, 01:09 PM

I'd be one of those users

but ya if you don't have to wear a helmet I very very highly doubt there's some law about having to wear a t-shirt, I mean it's not going to do a damn thing if something hits you or you fall so... I don't have any concrete proof though, probably the best thing if you want to be completely sure is to contact the ones that control the laws in your state and ask them.

PJL · 10-13-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonogt

I'm sure atleast one or two users will tell me to grow up and practice safer riding habits before I end up a skid mark on the road, and I won't deny they make a strong point. Live and let live I suppose... if/when I get a more aggressive bike, I believe I'll wise up a lot because I'll spend much more time at higher speeds.

Anywho, thanks for any input on the shirtless thing,
-Jon

I won't lecture you on the safety thing, but I will tell you that shirtless won't necessarily keep you cooler. Ever see people who live in the desert? They're covered head-to-toe in white cloth. Keeping the sun off your skin will keep you cooler in the long run. Also remember to keep hydrated.

Dodsfall · 10-13-2008, 10:27 PM

I believe the only law that would apply would be one about Darwinism.

I've never heard of any states requiring body wear, besides public decency laws of course.

iamjustifyd · 10-14-2008, 10:35 AM

I used to get skinned up pretty good falling off my bicycle much less on the bike. But yeah, main thing is....do you look good with your shirt off? I've seen guys riding without a shirt and I sure wished they had one on

Be careful

TrevorW · 10-14-2008, 10:59 AM

I'd imagine it's legal if there's no helmet law as well. I'd wear at least a mesh jacket if I were u.

Nobody has mentioned dehydration? I'd put that on list of concerns with organ donating.

jonogt · 10-14-2008, 12:22 PM

thanks for the replies guys, and for not giving me too much crap. Again, I was primarily curious... 1-2 mile commutes on back streets to campus and the gym etc. I may still be a foolish young guy, but I know enough to properly suit up if I'm getting on the interstate at 4 in the afternoon.

PS: I'd say I look "decent" without a shirt on... I mostly just need some additional tanning, but I'm not fat or anything lol

Ringo · 10-15-2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonogt

I'm sure atleast one or two users will tell me to grow up and practice safer riding habits before I end up a skid mark on the road, and I won't deny they make a strong point. Live and let live I suppose... if/when I get a more aggressive bike, I believe I'll wise up a lot because I'll spend much more time at higher speeds.
-Jon

Yep that be me

Good luck Pal.

dustinn3 · 10-27-2008, 11:23 PM

There's no law saying that you have to wear a shirt when riding in Kansas, just eye protection if you don't have a windshield.

I didn't always wear one around town when I had my sportbike. Bugs, rocks, and rain hurt like hell but when it counts a t-shirt probably isn't going to protect you anyways.

My dad can show you a pretty large second degree burn on his leg from riding in shorts though.

GI Jack · 11-03-2008, 06:38 AM

good luck with the bugs.

I used to ride down the jersey shore in a t-shirt, and shorts. just watch yer exhaust pipes, put on some suntan lotion, and get some good jungle boots.

Oh, and if you don't like gravel, rocks and bugs hitting you, well put some clothes on. I personally don't care.

Jonez_z · 11-09-2008, 05:36 PM

Yah those june bugs will really do a number on ya.

antsy · 11-21-2008, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonez_z

Yah those june bugs will really do a number on ya.

oooh yeah. went for a ride to the lake in just my swimsuit and a towel. those bugs I kept hitting really hurt after about the 5th time.

rustydog · 11-21-2008, 04:02 PM

I always seem to get pelted by a rock from somewhere riding on the highway.With my leather jacket i'ts hardley noticable.It will only take a few rocks to change your mind on going without a shirt.

Gaevren · 11-30-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustydog

I always seem to get pelted by a rock from somewhere riding on the highway.With my leather jacket i'ts hardley noticable.It will only take a few rocks to change your mind on going without a shirt.

This. Heck not even on the highway. I was driving down a city road, easy 40 mph tops, and a bug or a rock smacked me right in the sternum. Owwwwww. I had decided since I was just going a few blocks I would just wear a long sleeved shirt instead of my jacket. Let me tell you that little bit of cloth did nothing! Yeah I wear my jacket all the time now hehe.

But back to the original question...no idea! Sorry

sirgilbert357 · 12-04-2008, 07:40 PM

Public decency laws apply here. Being on a bike changes nothing. Shirtless is legal...
Not trying to rag on you man, but this is my train of thought:

If you go to a gym, then you must want to take care of your body. A slide at even 30 mph could be some serious road rash and possibly skin grafting if the road is rough enough (believe me, we have some around where I live). Why would you risk that? If its so hot you'd rather not wear your jacket, then you're either wearing the wrong jacket or you have no heat tolerance and you should just drive your car. The shorter the ride, the more justifiable it is to wear your gear...you'll only be uncomfortable for what, 10 mins? Less?
Safety before comfort or just don't ride...its where ATTGAT comes from and the motto "Better to be safe than sorry" certainly comes to mind too. Back roads may have less traffic, but Ive almost hit some decent sized critters that could have wiped me out on deserted roads like that...you never know what could happen, better to be prepared...just my 2 cents, not trying to flame you.

lougotzz · 12-06-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

I used to get skinned up pretty good falling off my bicycle much less on the bike. But yeah, main thing is....do you look good with your shirt off? I've seen guys riding without a shirt and I sure wished they had one on

Be careful

LOL

tiscut · 12-23-2008, 02:27 AM

Kinda cold to be riding shirtless this time of year! I'm in Kansas too, and it's freezing out there. Probably time to close this thread.

mwbmw · 12-26-2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonogt

I've searched for info on this on state/DMV sites, but I can't seem to find anything. Does anyone do this or somehow know concretely if it's legal or illegal?
-Jon

I absolutly know for sure It is illegal to ride shirtless. Watch out for the police.

CB750F · 12-26-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

I used to get skinned up pretty good falling off my bicycle much less on the bike. But yeah, main thing is....do you look good with your shirt off? I've seen guys riding without a shirt and I sure wished they had one on

Be careful

LOL you are cool iamjustifyd ! I'm one of those guys who shouldn't ride shirtless. I look much better in full leathers than shirtless anyday.

Jay550 · 12-31-2008, 01:41 PM

I don't know about the law, but i'd sure hate to give them extra reasoning to make one.

If your standing around BBQing and need a pack of ice or cigarettes, it'd be a pain to get suited up, I'm not sure what I'd do. Around here there aren't many cops, and there are a lot of people being far more stupid to keep the cops attention, so i'm relatively unbothered. As nice as it would be to take the bike, I'd probably hop in the truck. Apparently PA has shoe laws while driving a car though. No shoes = ticket.

Jay550 · 12-31-2008, 01:52 PM

Sorry about double post. It said wait 30 seconds before posting again, so i waited, and then this happened.

10-13-2008, 11:51 AM	#1
jonogt Verified Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kansas City area Posts: 18	Anyone know if it's legal to ride without a shirt in kansas? I've searched for info on this on state/DMV sites, but I can't seem to find anything. Does anyone do this or somehow know concretely if it's legal or illegal? I know that we are one of a just a few states that doesn't have any helmet requirement (atleast for 18+ adults, not sure about younger riders) and I think most of the rest of the country thinks we are kind of lunatics for it. I do wear a legit DOT-approved helmet for highway riding and when conditions are on the more risky side. But if its summer time and 92 out and traffic is light, my large pair of aviators is all that's on my head, and if I can do so without getting a ticket, it'd be nice to be able to go shirtless on short and low-speed commutes. I'm sure atleast one or two users will tell me to grow up and practice safer riding habits before I end up a skid mark on the road, and I won't deny they make a strong point. Live and let live I suppose... if/when I get a more aggressive bike, I believe I'll wise up a lot because I'll spend much more time at higher speeds. Anywho, thanks for any input on the shirtless thing, -Jon

10-13-2008, 10:27 PM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,963	I believe the only law that would apply would be one about Darwinism. I've never heard of any states requiring body wear, besides public decency laws of course. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-14-2008, 10:35 AM	#5
iamjustifyd Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Orleans Posts: 4,353	I used to get skinned up pretty good falling off my bicycle much less on the bike. But yeah, main thing is....do you look good with your shirt off? I've seen guys riding without a shirt and I sure wished they had one on Be careful __________________ Sherry 2005 Honda Spirit 750 DC To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-04-2008, 07:40 PM	#15
sirgilbert357 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,810	Public decency laws apply here. Being on a bike changes nothing. Shirtless is legal... Not trying to rag on you man, but this is my train of thought: If you go to a gym, then you must want to take care of your body. A slide at even 30 mph could be some serious road rash and possibly skin grafting if the road is rough enough (believe me, we have some around where I live). Why would you risk that? If its so hot you'd rather not wear your jacket, then you're either wearing the wrong jacket or you have no heat tolerance and you should just drive your car. The shorter the ride, the more justifiable it is to wear your gear...you'll only be uncomfortable for what, 10 mins? Less? Safety before comfort or just don't ride...its where ATTGAT comes from and the motto "Better to be safe than sorry" certainly comes to mind too. Back roads may have less traffic, but Ive almost hit some decent sized critters that could have wiped me out on deserted roads like that...you never know what could happen, better to be prepared...just my 2 cents, not trying to flame you. __________________ My key to happiness says "Kawasaki" on it.

12-31-2008, 01:52 PM	#21
Jay550 Honk if you've never seen a gun fired from a bike Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Collegeville, PA Posts: 781	Sorry about double post. It said wait 30 seconds before posting again, so i waited, and then this happened. Last edited by Jay550; 12-31-2008 at 01:53 PM.. Reason: double post

10-13-2008, 01:09 PM	#2
firebos7 Guest Posts: n/a	I'd be one of those users but ya if you don't have to wear a helmet I very very highly doubt there's some law about having to wear a t-shirt, I mean it's not going to do a damn thing if something hits you or you fall so... I don't have any concrete proof though, probably the best thing if you want to be completely sure is to contact the ones that control the laws in your state and ask them.

10-14-2008, 10:59 AM	#6
TrevorW Verified Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Conway Arkansas Posts: 36	I'd imagine it's legal if there's no helmet law as well. I'd wear at least a mesh jacket if I were u. Nobody has mentioned dehydration? I'd put that on list of concerns with organ donating.

10-14-2008, 12:22 PM	#7
jonogt Verified Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Kansas City area Posts: 18	thanks for the replies guys, and for not giving me too much crap. Again, I was primarily curious... 1-2 mile commutes on back streets to campus and the gym etc. I may still be a foolish young guy, but I know enough to properly suit up if I'm getting on the interstate at 4 in the afternoon. PS: I'd say I look "decent" without a shirt on... I mostly just need some additional tanning, but I'm not fat or anything lol

10-27-2008, 11:23 PM	#9
dustinn3 Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 164	There's no law saying that you have to wear a shirt when riding in Kansas, just eye protection if you don't have a windshield. I didn't always wear one around town when I had my sportbike. Bugs, rocks, and rain hurt like hell but when it counts a t-shirt probably isn't going to protect you anyways. My dad can show you a pretty large second degree burn on his leg from riding in shorts though.

11-03-2008, 06:38 AM	#10
GI Jack Sickle Punk Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 966	good luck with the bugs. I used to ride down the jersey shore in a t-shirt, and shorts. just watch yer exhaust pipes, put on some suntan lotion, and get some good jungle boots. Oh, and if you don't like gravel, rocks and bugs hitting you, well put some clothes on. I personally don't care.

11-09-2008, 05:36 PM	#11
Jonez_z Verified Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 12	Yah those june bugs will really do a number on ya.

11-21-2008, 04:02 PM	#13
rustydog I fear no beer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: suburb of kcmo Posts: 465	I always seem to get pelted by a rock from somewhere riding on the highway.With my leather jacket i'ts hardley noticable.It will only take a few rocks to change your mind on going without a shirt.

12-23-2008, 02:27 AM	#17
tiscut Verified Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 16	Kinda cold to be riding shirtless this time of year! I'm in Kansas too, and it's freezing out there. Probably time to close this thread.

12-31-2008, 01:41 PM	#20
Jay550 Honk if you've never seen a gun fired from a bike Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Collegeville, PA Posts: 781	I don't know about the law, but i'd sure hate to give them extra reasoning to make one. If your standing around BBQing and need a pack of ice or cigarettes, it'd be a pain to get suited up, I'm not sure what I'd do. Around here there aren't many cops, and there are a lot of people being far more stupid to keep the cops attention, so i'm relatively unbothered. As nice as it would be to take the bike, I'd probably hop in the truck. Apparently PA has shoe laws while driving a car though. No shoes = ticket.

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