Are you allowed to wear earphones/headphones whilst driving a car in the UK?

Question

Update:

My car stereo doesn't have a cassette player, so 'dummy' cassettes cannot be used.

Also, if hearing ambulances etc is a problem, why are we allowed the radio on as loud as we like?

Answer 1

An earpiece ok, a full set of cans no

Answer 2

Oh God forbid, you wouldn't hear your mobile phone!!

Or any other ambient sounds.

Don't be silly Check your highway code

Answer 3

So deaf people can't drive? As far as i am aware if you are driving with due care and attention there is no law to say you cannot drive with head phones.Police bike cops,blue tooth headsets,even helicopter pilots.I had a sight test on the day of my test but no hearing test

Answer 4

From everything that I have read yes you can but at the same time if you are involved in an accident with them on, you will be up a creek just like in the U.S.........................

Answer 5

I hope not,  because you wont be able to hear any thing.

Answer 6

i don't think there's a law against it...but it's easier if you buy an ipod-car connector. or, if there sin't a port, you can get iTrips which mean you can pick up your ipod on the radio, and things where you plug a tape into th ipod and put the tape in the car.

Answer 7

No you cannot.

Answer 8

sure as long as your hands are on the wheel ur fine. c, x

Jesus Christ Bunnykins who ripped your heart out and ate it! I understand what your saying but no-one has sed anything in this question which implies they think they are more important than an ambulance or anyone elses life relax a little enjoy life!

Answer 9

No you're not allowed as it causes hearing impairment.

BTW your shouldn't have your stereo up loud either.

If the police catch you with earphones in ...................

big TROUBLE.

Answer 10

I hope not!

( But you can wear a hands free earphone)

Answer 11

I hope I'm not in the ambulance that's stuck behind you!

Or ... Is that your house that the fire engine is trying to get to? ....whoops i forgot you can't hear the sirens. :-(

Added:

People who play loud music in their cars can't hear emergency vehicles either!

Pedestrians & cyclists are also asking for trouble if they go around with headphones on..

Do you want me & everyone  else to prevent an ambulance from reaching someone by not moving over, as that is what you imply you want!  May-be the person needing the ambulance will be you or someone you care about...if such a person exists!  You obviously own the road & are much more important than the emergancy services.

If you truely think impeading an emergancey vehicle is okay, I dare you to try it with a police car, (so there's less chance of somone diying from your actions) & in your defence explane that you didn't hear them 'cos of your music! Do you think that they would say "it's alright laddo, obstructing an emergancy sevice & driving without due care & attention is fine with us."?

I think not!

GIVING WAY TO EMERGANCY VEHICLES IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF BEING A RESPONSIBLE DRIVER!

I don't understand why you belive listening to loud music is more important than someones life.

Anybody in front of az better watch out he spends all his time looking in the mirrors but not in front.

Well so far at least 4 of you would want someone to stop your/your childs/ etc.  ambulance passing.

Answer 12

Yes you are

Answer 13

perfectly legal

as deaf people can drive

bunny ,those reflective things on the side of the car enable you to see ambulances and a whole range of other things too.

i believe that they are commonly known as mirrors

Answer 14

Yeah your allowed to dj whilst driving too