Is it illegal to wear headphones or AirPods while driving in Ohio? What the law says
Need to join a meeting for work or want to listen to your favorite song that isn’t on the radio? Well, before you put your earbuds in, let’s check to see if that’s even legal in Ohio.
Is it legal to wear headphones or earbuds while driving in Ohio?
No, it isn’t legal. Here’s what the law says:
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears. As used in this section, “earphones” means any headset, radio, tape player, or other similar device that provides the listener with radio programs, music, or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and that covers all or a portion of both ears,” according to Ohio law.
However, there are some exceptions to the law, which include:
- Any person wearing a hearing aid
- Law enforcement personnel while on duty
- Fire department personnel and emergency medical service personnel while on duty
- Any person engaged in the operation of equipment for use in the maintenance or repair of any highway
- Any person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment
Ohio also has a hands-free law which means “holding, or physically supporting an ‘electronic wireless communications device’ is illegal.”
So, are there any penalties if you don’t abide by the law?
If you are caught wearing earphones in an illegal way, the penalty is a minor misdemeanor.
What do you think of this law? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
