Is It Illegal To Drive With Headphones? You'll Be Surprised.

You're driving down the street, listening to your favorite song. It's a great day to drive!

There's just one problem: the radio in your motor vehicle is broken. So you're listening with your headphones.

You turn the corner and see a police officer up ahead. Suddenly, you start to panic – is it illegal to drive with headphones on? You're not sure what the law says, but you don't want to get ticketed.

Relax – it's not against the law to drive with headphones in most states. In this blog post, we'll explain when it is illegal to drive with headphones and offer some tips for staying safe while listening to music behind the wheel.

Where Is It Illegal To Drive With Headphones On?

You may be surprised to learn that there is no Federal Law in the United States against wearing headphones while driving. That decision is delegated to the state level. That means that every state has (or doesn't have) laws regarding headphone use while driving.

States Where Wearing Headphones While Driving Is Illegal Or Restricted

Alaska: "Headphones and earbuds are not permitted, except when used for navigational purposes. Hearing aids OK."

Arizona: "It's legal, though not for school bus drivers or anyone transporting children for a daycare facility."

California: "Headphones and earbuds illegal, and that includes bicycles too. The only exception is for hearing aids, and to protect against 'injurious' noise levels."

Colorado: "Headphones or earbuds covering both ears is prohibited, except for audio systems built into motorcycle helmets. Earpieces in one ear are permitted, for example for speaking on a phone."

Florida: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt."

Georgia: "Anything that diminishes hearing or sight while driving is prohibited. Though earpieces used for communication purposes are permitted."

Illinois: "Headphones or earbuds covering both ears are not permitted. The exceptions are motorcycle helmet audio systems, and one-ear headsets and earpieces."

Louisiana: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt."

Maryland: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt."

Massachusetts: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving, unless they are involved in the control of the vehicle itself."

Minnesota: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt."

New York: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving."

Ohio: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids."

Oregon: "It's legal, but there are some regional exceptions (so check your local laws)."

Pennsylvania: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Single-ear audio systems for cellular communication OK, as are hearing aids."

Rhode Island: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving or operating a bicycle."

Virginia: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids."

Washington: "Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hands-free wireless communication systems and motorcycle helmet audio systems are OK."

Any state not listed above has no restrictions on wearing headphones while driving.

Sources: Alternative Press, DriveSafe Online

Hazards Of Driving While Wearing Headphones

Despite the freedom to wear headphones while driving in many areas where it may be perfectly legal to do so, there comes a certain level of responsibility in order to avoid dangerous driving.

Most people are aware that driving while using a cell phone is dangerous. But fewer people realize that wearing headphones while driving can be just as hazardous.

That's because when you're wearing headphones, you're less likely to be aware of your surroundings, and more likely to be distracted from the task of driving.

So just because your state (or country) doesn't restrict headphone use behind the wheel, it doesn't mean it's always a good idea. There are a few hazards of driving while wearing headphones.

One, you may not be able to hear traffic or emergency vehicles approaching. It's possible to miss important sounds, like a distant police siren or an emergency vehicle or truck horns, if you're listening to music or a podcast. And it's definitely not a good idea to wear closed back headphones when driving, even if they are legal.

Two, it can be dangerous to merge into traffic while wearing headphones if you can't hear cars coming up on your side. If you're driving in a big city, you may not be able to hear people yelling at you to get out of the way.

Three, headphone use can create a false sense of security and lead people to drive more recklessly. Anything that distracts you from paying attention to the road can be a hazard when behind the wheel.

Any and all of these hazards can lead to accidents and serious injuries. It's best to avoid driving while wearing headphones whenever possible (although wearing hearing aid devices is legal in every state).

If you must do so, make sure that the volume is low enough that you can still hear what's going on around you and that you're not too distracted by the music. Distraction is the main hazard of driving while wearing headphones.

Distracted Driving

Police Officers and lawyers constantly say that distracted driving is one of the most common cause of a car accident, and one of the easiest to avoid. (Source)

Here are some ways to avoid being distracted on the road:

• Don't eat while driving. Eat before you drive if you have to go somewhere far, or stop to eat.
• If your state permits it, use a hands-free cell phone call kit to make your cell phone calls legal while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
• NEVER text and drive. Unlike driving with headphones, nearly every state (with a few exceptions) has driving laws banning texting and driving.
• Don't apply or check your makeup while driving.
• If you've been driving a long time and are sleepy, pull over and find a place to rest.

The Last Word

Driving with headphones can be fun where it's allowed, but only when it's done safely.

If you’re like most people, you probably think of yourself as a safe driver. But even the safest drivers can make mistakes when they’re not paying attention. That’s why it’s important to remember the basics of safe driving every time you get behind the wheel.

As mentioned before, make sure to take breaks often, and never drive when you’re tired or distracted. Most importantly, always stay focused on the road and be aware of your surroundings whether you have headphones on or not.

Remember, arrive alive! There's no reason to make foolish decisions when you drive.

Related Articles About Headphones

Now that you've learned where it's illegal to wear headphones while driving and where it isn't, check out some of our articles below to learn about some great headphone options in a variety of styles.

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Check out these reviews and treat yourself to your music, only better. Your ears will thank you!