Can you wear headphones, AirPods or earbuds while driving? Here’s what Georgia law allows
Radio not working? Driving an old vehicle that doesn’t have bluetooth options?
Well, just pop out those earbuds and boom, problem solved. Or is it?
Here’s what Georgia law says about wearing earbuds, AirPods or headphones while driving:
Can you wear earbuds while driving in Georgia?
Short answer: no. But there’s a little more to it.
The law says:
“No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or headphone which would impair such a person’s ability to hear.”
Georgia’s hands-free law became effective in 2018 and this law makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The law says that drivers can communicate on the phone while driving if they have the call on speakerphone, use an earpiece, wireless headphone, in-vehicle hands-free audio system or an electronic watch.
So, there are some exceptions to the original law:
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety: “Headsets and earpieces can only be worn for communication purposes and not for listening to music or other entertainment.”
Why is this law in place?
Well, the law exists to eliminate distractions on the road and make sure drivers can hear emergency vehicles, horns or other sounds.
More exceptions to the rules include
Reporting a traffic crash, medical emergency, fire, criminal activity or hazardous road conditions.
An employee or contractor of a utility service provider acting within the scope of their employment while responding to a utility emergency.
A first responder (law enforcement, fire, EMS) during the performance of their official duties.
When in a lawfully parked vehicle. However, this does not include vehicles stopped at red lights or stop signs.
Penalties
If you are caught using the earbuds for anything other than communication purposes, here are the penalties:
First conviction: $50, one point on a license;
Second conviction: $100, two points on a license;
Third and subsequent convictions: $150, three points on a license.
Have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
This story was originally published April 5, 2024 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Can you wear headphones, AirPods or earbuds while driving? Here’s what Georgia law allows."
