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Is it legal to have one earbud in while driving?

I love rockin’ out while I’m driving, but my car doesn’t have an aux cord. I’ve been listening to music on my earbuds instead—but just in one ear. Is this legal?

avatar
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Nothing better than a good playlist! I’m a Justin Bieber gal, myself. Laws differ by state. In many states, it is legal to have one earbud in while driving, while in other states it is explicitly illegal.
Let’s talk about that.
  • In
    Alabama
    ,
    Texas
    , and other states, it is legal to have earbuds in while driving.
  • In states like
    Alaska
     and
    Ohio
    , it is illegal.
  • In
    California
    , wearing an earbud is legal so long as it’s only in one ear.
However, you should be aware that driving with headphones in your ears is dangerous because it dulls your senses and distracts you from the road. And if you break your state’s headphone law, you could be ticketed and fined.
Be sure to check out your state’s specific law to make sure you’re in the clear! While you’re at it, take a look at your
car insurance
 policy. Are you paying too much for coverage?
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MORE:
9 best road trip destinations for music lovers in the US
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