Music can make a journey more enjoyable. When you are seated in the driver’s seat, you might wonder if it is alright to wear your Airpods. You can easily listen to music and answer calls using them.
But there are dangers to wearing earbuds while driving. Considering that factor, it may be perfectly reasonable to ban the use of AirPods while driving. But it turns out the law regarding whether you can wear AirPods while driving is a bit complicated.
As a technology enthusiast, I enjoy learning about gadgets and their legality in certain situations. To help fellow readers eliminate their confusion, I have studied the legality surrounding wearing Airpods while driving.
Read this article until the end to know if it is legal to wear AirPods while driving.
Is It Legal to Wear AirPods While Driving?
So basically, there isn’t any one answer to this question. Depending on what state you are located in, you may or may not be permitted to use a single earbud while driving.
But you definitely should not have both of your ears covered with earbuds while driving, no matter what state you are driving in. This is not based on the law but on common sense. Please be careful about the safety of yourself and others.
So which states do not allow the use of earbuds at all during driving?
Which of them allows the use of earbuds? Is there any state where the law is dependent on specific conditions that can lead to exceptions? What are the dangers of using earbuds while driving?
All these questions will be answered in the following sections.
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Name of States Where Driving Wearing Airpods is illegal
Some states allow a single earbud to be used while driving, but some of them do not even allow that. In these states, using any earbud or headphones while driving is strictly prohibited and is punishable by law.
These laws are in place to increase road safety. Driving with earbuds on can influence your hearing negatively, and it is not difficult to imagine how weakened hearing can affect how you drive. You may be distracted, and you may fail to hear sirens, for example.
Here are the states where you are not permitted to use Airpods while driving:
- Alaska
- California
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Virginia,
- Washington
As you can see, there are not many of them. Most states actually allow the use of earbuds while driving. However, if you use AirPods in any of the states mentioned above, then you will receive a traffic ticket, and you may be punished according to your state’s law.
Name of States Where Driving Wearing Airpods is Legal
According to AAA, 32 states and the District of Columbia do not forbid the use of headphones or earbuds while operating a motor vehicle. These states have not formed their own laws regarding the use of earbuds or headphones while driving.
This means you are allowed to wear AirPods while driving. You will not receive a traffic ticket for doing so. If you should wear them, though, it is a different matter.
Here are the states that allow the use of AirPods while driving:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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List of States Where Driving Wearing Airpods is Legal With Conditions and Exceptions
According to AAA, only school bus drivers and others who transport children while working in approved child care facilities are not allowed to wear AirPods while driving in the state of Arizona.
In several states, wearing headphones while driving is generally prohibited, but there are some exceptions.
Here are the exceptions:
| State | What is permitted? | What is prohibited? |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | There is no restrictions for the general public. | Child-care workers and school bus drivers aren’t allowed to use AirPods while driving. |
| Florida | Taking a phone call in one ear while using AirPods or other earpieces is permitted. | It is not allowed if used for entertainment purposes. |
| Colorado | Using AirPods or other earphones while making a phone call in one ear is acceptable. | It is not allowed to listen to music or podcasts or other sources of entertainment like that. |
| Georgia | Using AirPods or other earphones while taking a call in one ear is acceptable. | It is not permitted if used for recreational reasons. |
| Pennsylvania | Using AirPods or different earpieces while taking a phone call in one ear is legal. Motorcycle riders may use both ears if it's part of their safety gear. | It is prohibited if it is used for entertainment purposes. |
| New York | Using headphones or earbuds in one ear, regardless of whether they are on a phone call. | Cannot have both ears covered with AirPods or any other earbuds. |
| Massachusetts | Using AirPods to listen to GPS. | Doing anything else while wearing AirPods is not legal. |
| Illinois | Uses headphones or earbuds in one ear, regardless of whether they are on the phone. | Cannot have both ears covered with AirPods or any other earbuds. |
The Dangers of Driving While Wearing AirPods
It’s not necessarily safe to wear headphones while driving, even if it’s permitted where you live. Using earbuds while driving can potentially risk other drivers and passengers.
The fact that in some states, simply driving while wearing AirPods in even a single ear can get you a traffic ticket should tell you just how dangerous it can be to wear AirPods in both ears.
Driving a car safely requires being utterly aware of your surroundings. And regrettably, doing that is considerably more complicated when wearing AirPods or other headphones.
Ambulances and other autos may become inaudible thanks to AirPods’ noise-canceling features. A ticket or accident may result from failing to hear these noises.
Additionally, according to Insurance Information Institute, 5.9% of the drivers in fatal auto accidents were texting while driving.
Your AirPods can muffle the sound of mechanical problems in your car.
Wearing headphones while driving could make you solely responsible for any accidents that occur. After all, a police officer or other motorist could readily assert that you were inattentive.
Therefore, if you really want to use AirPods while driving, make sure you are following the rules of your state. Please do not cover both of your ears, even if it is allowed to do so in your state. Take a safety first approach always.
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Conclusion
State vehicle codes must evolve with technology. Relevant authorities should suggest new regulations to maintain road safety. Right now, whether you can wear AirPods while driving depends on the law in your state.
To find the relevant information from the article for your state and decide your approach accordingly. Remember to ensure your hearing is not completely blocked off either way.
Do you think laws regarding the use of earbuds while driving need to change in your state? If so, comment below!
