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Is driving with headphones illegal?

I drive for Uber and I love to listen to audiobooks while I drive—but I know that my passengers wouldn’t love that. If I can drive with headphones, everybody wins. Am I allowed to drive with headphones in?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
This is a great idea—in states where it’s legal. But beware! Driving with headphones is illegal in 17 states. Those states include:
  1. Alaska
  2. Arizona
  3. California
  4. Colorado
  5. Florida
  6. Georgia
  7. Illinois
  8. Louisiana
  9. Maryland
  10. Massachusetts
  11. Minnesota
  12. New York
  13. Ohio
  14. Pennsylvania
  15. Rhode Island
  16. Virginia
  17. Washington
However, many of these states allow you to use
Bluetooth
and hands-free devices (like wireless headphones) while you’re driving, provided that only one ear is obstructed by the device. Check your state laws to see what’s allowed where you live.
It’s also worth mentioning that driving with headphones in can be dangerous, as it inhibits your ability to hear important things like sirens or screeching tires. So if you do decide to drive with headphones, it’s a good idea to keep one ear free to make sure that you can still react to sonic warnings.
While you’re learning more about your listening options, consider learning about your car insurance options, too. The
Jerr​​y
app makes it easy.
Jerry is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
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