Is it illegal to drive in CA with ONE earphone from your iPod in?

Question

I know about the cell phone law, but I've had people tell me that I could get pulled over for listening to my iPod in one ear whilst driving. Can anyone tell me for sure? (Prefer someone who knows the laws/is a police officer.)

Answer 1

That's generally OK.  See Vehicle Code 27400.

However, it may be a problem if you are under 18.  Minors are prohibited from using any kind of portable electronic devices while driving, and that may include an i-pod, if you are holding it in your hand and manipulating the buttons.

Answer 2

use common sense. you have your earbuds in. you are driving. you wont be able to hear ANYTHING around you unless it is very loud. and even if it's just one, it can still pose a major distraction. seriously. just use your car stereo.

Answer 3

One ear is fine. Both ears are prohibited.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc2...

Wearing of Headsets or Earplugs

27400.   A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the following:

(a) A person operating authorized emergency vehicles, as defined in Section 165.

(b) A person engaged in the operation of either special construction equipment or equipment for use in the maintenance of any highway.

(c) A person engaged in the operation of refuse collection equipment who is wearing a safety headset or safety earplugs.

(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer's ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.

(e) A person using a prosthetic device that aids the hard of hearing.