Is it Illegal to Drive With Headphones? | October 2024

Is Wearing Headphones While Driving Illegal?

In some places, yes. Each state’s laws vary slightly, but the general rule is that you can’t wear earbuds while operating a motor vehicle. Some laws have exceptions, such as allowing drivers to wear one earbud but not two. Another exception is hearing aids.

Failing to follow these laws can result in traffic tickets and increased car insurance rates. Fines associated with wearing earbuds while driving vary from state to state. Therefore, brushing up on local traffic laws is crucial to staying safe and avoiding fines.

Is It Illegal to Drive With Earbuds in One Ear?

State laws against driving with earbuds specify that you cannot put a device in both ears. So, you may be able to drive while wearing one earbud.

There are exceptions. In Florida, you can wear an earbud in one ear if you are talking on your phone. But you cannot do the same if you listen to music while driving. So, the legality depends on what you’re doing while wearing the sole earbud.

It also depends on who you are and what you are driving. Law enforcement officers can wear headsets while driving if necessary for their duties. Motorcyclists can install headsets on their helmets if it doesn’t cancel out surrounding sounds.

Other states with single earbud rules include:

• Alaska: The law prohibits driving with headsets but allows a single earbud for GPS, hearing support and motorcycle communication systems.
• Colorado: Drivers can only use one earbud unless they drive a commercial vehicle.
• District of Columbia: Drivers cannot wear headsets that cover both ears unless they assist with hearing.
• Georgia: Drivers cannot wear full headsets, which removes background noise. They can wear a headset or headphone to communicate.
• Illinois: Single-sided headsets are acceptable while driving. Motorcyclists can use intercom helmets that help riders and passengers communicate.
• Massachusetts: Drivers can operate properly installed devices with a single earphone.
• New York: Drivers can wear one earphone for any purpose, including listening to music.
• Ohio: Drivers can only wear one earphone unless they are in emergency services, law enforcement, highway maintenance or garbage collection.
• Pennsylvania: Drivers can use one earphone to communicate via telephone.
• Rhode Island: Drivers cannot use accessories that cover both ears.

Where Is It Illegal to Drive With Headphones?

It is illegal to drive with headphones, even single earbuds, in these states:

• California
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Virginia
• Washington

However, each state’s laws vary slightly, so it’s essential to know the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. For instance, Florida prohibits drivers from wearing a “headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid.” Based on this rhetoric, wearing even one earbud not intended for use as a hearing aid would be illegal in Florida.

There are some exceptions. Under Florida law, you can use a headset “in conjunction with a cellular telephone” if you use a single earbud.

California’s law is a bit simpler, prohibiting wearing earphones, headsets, or earplugs in or on both ears. However, the law applies to drivers and bicyclists, whereas Florida’s does not apply to cyclists. California’s inclusion of cyclists is likely part of more extensive efforts to address the nation’s rising bike, e-bike, and e-scooter accident rates, which total in the tens of thousands each year.

Why Is It Illegal to Wear Headphones While Driving?

It comes down to one concept: distracted driving. In 2022, 3,308 people died in distracted driving accidents.

Many brands of earbuds, including AirPods, have noise-canceling properties. This feature is excellent when you’re trying to fall asleep on an airplane, but it is a safety hazard when you're driving.

Headphones impair driving by:

• Reducing awareness: Many drivers underestimate how much we rely on hearing when we drive. Emergency sirens, approaching vehicles and horns all alert us to danger. If you can’t hear it, you may not be able to get out of the way or avoid the hazard.
• Distracting: Immersive telephone conversations, intense podcasts, or even music may steal attention from driving. Physical distractions, like uncomfortable earbuds or tangled cords, can make driving unsafe.
• Reducing reaction time: If you are more interested in your conversation or podcast than what’s going on outside your car, you may not react quickly to emergencies.

Have You Been Hurt by Someone Wearing Headphones While Driving?

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries from someone wearing headphones while driving, ConsumerShield can connect you with an experienced attorney. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the settlement process and may maximize your payout.

Getting started is easy. Contact us, and we’ll connect you with a legal professional to assess your case.