Here’s the law in every US state. Compiled by Digital Music News.
Alabama | It’s legal! |
Alaska | Headphones and earbuds are not permitted, except when used for navigational purposes. Hearing aids okay. |
Arizona | It’s legal, though not for school bus drivers or anyone transporting children for a daycare facility. |
Arkansas | It’s legal! |
California | Headphones and earbuds illegal, and that includes bicycles too. The only exception is for hearing aids, and to protect against ‘injurious’ noise levels. |
Colorado | Headphones or earbuds covering both ears is prohibited, except for audio systems built into motorcycle helmets. Earpieces in one ear are permitted, for example for speaking on a phone. |
Connecticut | It’s legal! |
Delaware | It’s legal! |
Florida | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt. |
Georgia | Anything that diminishes hearing or sight while driving is prohibited. Though earpieces used for communication purposes are permitted. |
Hawaii | It’s legal! |
Idaho | It’s legal! |
Illinois | Headphones or earbuds covering both ears are not permitted. The exceptions are motorcycle helmet audio systems, and one-ear headsets and earpieces. |
Indiana | It’s legal! |
Iowa | It’s legal! |
Kansas | It’s legal! |
Kentucky | It’s legal! |
Louisiana | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt. |
Maine | It’s legal! |
Maryland | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt. |
Massachusetts | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving, unless they are involved in the control of the vehicle itself. |
Michigan | It’s legal! |
Minnesota | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hearing aids are exempt. |
Mississippi | It’s legal! |
Missouri | It’s legal! |
Montana | It’s legal! |
Nebraska | It’s legal! |
Nevada | It’s legal! |
New Hampshire | It’s legal! |
New Jersey | It’s legal! |
New Mexico | It’s legal! |
New York | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. |
North Carolina | It’s legal! |
North Dakota | It’s legal! |
Ohio | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids. |
Oklahoma | It’s legal! |
Oregon | It’s legal, but there are some regional exceptions (so check your local laws). |
Pennsylvania | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Single-ear audio systems for cellular communication okay, as are hearing aids. |
Rhode Island | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving or operating a bicycle. |
South Carolina | It’s legal! |
South Dakota | It’s legal! |
Tennessee | It’s legal! |
Texas | It’s legal! |
Utah | It’s legal! |
Vermont | It’s legal! |
Virginia | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Headphones built into motorcycle helmets exempt, as are hearing aids. |
Washington | Headphones or earbuds prohibited while driving. Hands-free wireless communication systems and motorcycle helmet audio systems are okay. |
Washington, DC | It’s legal! |
West Virginia | It’s legal! |
Wisconsin | It’s legal! |
Wyoming | It’s legal! |