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Are Headphones Legal While Riding?

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    Posted by BuckfireLaw August 15, 2012 - Filed in Personal Journal - 667 views

    It has come to our attention that many motorcyclists are unaware of earphone usage while riding. However, most bikers don't need to worry as there are only 5 states in which using earphones is either regulated or illegal. These states are: California, Delaware, Maryland, Florida, and Rhode Island.

    California, Maryland, and Delaware regulate headphone usage while riding by allowing bikers to only have one earphone in. Thus, leaving the other ear free to listen to the surroundings. However, in Florida and Rhode Island, it is completely illegal to even have one earphone in while riding.

    The lawyers of Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. understand motorcyclists enjoy the freedom to listen to music, radio, or the news, etc., but do believe having headphone on while riding a motorcycle is very dangerous. The usage of headphones is just one more distraction motorcyclists do not need while riding.

    What do you think? Is the use of headphones while riding dangerous? Should it be illegal or prohibited? Let us know what you think!

     

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  • blurplebuzz The law seems to speak for itself, as only 5 states see a need to regulate something which in my mind is a fairly minor concern,as a lot of the motorcycles have very loud pipes which tend to drown out most anything else. I have yet to read where earphone...  more
  • LCStrat Hmmm! Maybe me thinking of getting some of those tiny earphone plugs to put in my ear to listen to the radio, music, etc., isn't a good idea?
  • reaperrider72 I like to listen to tunes on freeway rides, but in town they come out. Like to see and hear what i can. Riding the scenic routes its nice to listen to the pipes and nature...
  • NeeCee I listen to my mp3 player when I ride...and trust me, I can hear the bike and everything around me (including sirens from emergency vehicles). It hasn't caused any problems for me so far. I live in Georgia so I guess I'm safe.

    A point I would like to...  more