“Driving with Headphones: What Los Angeles Law Says”

"Driving with Headphones: What Los Angeles Law Says"

Driving with headphones in Los Angeles, and throughout California, is subject to strict regulations aimed at ensuring road safety. Here’s what Los Angeles law says about driving with headphones:

Legal Status

It is illegal to wear headphones covering or inserted into both ears while driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle in Los Angeles and the rest of California.

This prohibition is outlined in California Vehicle Code 27400, which applies to all types of headphones, including over-ear headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth devices.

Specific Restrictions

  • Both Ears Covered: The law specifically prohibits wearing headphones, earphones, or earplugs that cover, rest on, or are inserted into both ears.
  • Single Ear Use: Drivers are allowed to wear a headphone or earpiece in one ear only.
  • Applies to All Vehicles: This law applies to drivers of all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds, as well as bicyclists.

Exceptions

The law provides some exceptions to the headphone prohibition:

  1. Operators of authorized emergency vehicles
  2. Persons engaged in highway construction or maintenance
  3. Refuse collection operators wearing safety headsets
  4. Individuals using personal hearing protectors designed to reduce noise levels
  5. People using prosthetic hearing devices

Penalties

Violating this law can result in:

  • A fine of $197
  • One point added to the driver’s DMV record
  • Potential license suspension if too many points accumulate

Rationale

The law aims to ensure drivers can hear important auditory cues such as:

  • Emergency vehicle sirens
  • Car horns
  • Screeching tires
  • Other critical traffic sounds

By prohibiting the use of headphones in both ears, the law seeks to minimize distractions and maintain drivers’ awareness of their surroundings, ultimately promoting safer roads for all users.

Sources:

  • [1] https://www.rkmlaw.net/legality-of-headphone-use-while-driving-in-california/
  • [2] https://maho-prentice.com/blog/is-it-illegal-to-drive-with-headphones-while-driving-in-california/
  • [3]https://www.reddit.com/r/bayarea/comments/9db8a5/psa_it_is_illegal_to_wear_earbuds_or_headphones/
  • [4] https://www.davidrickslaw.com/faqs/california-headphones-laws.cfm
  • [5] https://www.habbaspilaw.com/headphones-while-driving-in-california/