Reference map of headphone laws

[1.21GW]

Those look like a great solution. Just bought a pair. Thanks!

These are the tips that I found most useful.  They included one pair of each type (3 total) with the headphones when I bought them 2 years ago.  Not all worked well but these were excellent.  Lick 'em a bit to get a good seal and ride in near silence.  YMMV.



They harden over time, so after 1-2 years you might need to replace the tips.  $14 for 3 pairs, which is highway robbery given that I bet they cost $0.03 to manufacture, but what can you do.

[hbliam]

Looks like my home states and all of the day ride states are either no law or single bud friendly.  I don't think music is a distraction.

JM

I don't think it's a distraction either but it does limit/completely restrict your ability to hear what's going on around you. ie: emergency vehicles, other vehicles that may hit you. Dangerous in my opinion.

[the_Journeyman]

I've got a pair of basic Skull Candy buds I found on sale at Staples for $10.  They work good, every now and then I'll have one slide out a little bit, but for the most part they're great.

JM

[NAKID]

I don't think it's a distraction either but it does limit/completely restrict your ability to hear what's going on around you. ie: emergency vehicles, other vehicles that may hit you. Dangerous in my opinion.

Really no different than those who blast their music so loud I can hear it over the sound of my own bike.

[Cloner]

So....let me get this straight.....there are States where a totally deaf person can get a driver's license, but it's illegal for them to wear headphones or ear buds while driving, despite the fact that they can't hear them?  Hmmmm.  Sounds like the government in some States has stepped somewhere it doesn't belong.

Hearing is not a requirement for driving, so why is a device that impairs hearing regulated?

[DucHockey]

My favorite is my home state's explanation:

"It is illegal to wear headphones while driving in Massachusetts, unless the headphones are used to control the direction or movement of your vehicle." 

Huh?  Does that technology even exist?

[JohnEE]

Thanks for the info everyone. I find most buds don't stay in my ears too long except for the $10 skull candys I use at the gym. I haven't tried them on the bike yet, next ride I will.

Sounds like mass. Are they referencing GPS audio directions? I see on ton of people with both buds in while driving, cops must not enforce it that much.

[the_Journeyman]

I've been pulled over, and when I removed my helmet, both buds dropped out and the trooper didn't even take notice.  I have a feeling ear bud enforcement isn't high on the list of things to concern about unless it becomes a factor in an accident.

JM

[herm]

I've been pulled over, and when I removed my helmet, both buds dropped out and the trooper didn't even take notice.  I have a feeling ear bud enforcement isn't high on the list of things to concern about unless it becomes a factor in an accident.

JM

Or the officer is dealing with an A**hole....

[the_Journeyman]

Right.  Violate the rule of POPO and the headphones might become an issue.

JM

[hbliam]

Really no different than those who blast their music so loud I can hear it over the sound of my own bike.

True and also illegal. This is the reason some agencies have started using rumbler sirens. Long Beach, CA has them and they are effective. Shakes your car.

[herm]

Right.  Violate the rule of POPO and the headphones might become an issue.

JM

I hope I am mistaken by how your comment sounds.......certainly wasn't my intent to head in that direction.

Hope i'm wrong.